Total knee replacement
Facility: University Of Ks Hlth System Great Bend Campus
Billing Code: 27447 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 27447
- Insurance Median: $16,732
- Cash Discount Price: $7,694
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.28x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13,116.76 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $4,264 - $16,084 | 33% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $4,264 | 33% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $4,264 - $11,987 | 33% |
| Workers Comp [503999901] | $11,987 - $20,246 | 91% |
| Ku Athletics [503200094] | $11,987 | 91% |
| Medicare (plans) | $12,226 | 93% |
| Allwell [503200078] | $12,346 | 94% |
| Humana | $12,645 | 96% |
| Triwest [503201703] | $12,645 | 96% |
| Tricare | $12,645 | 96% |
| Centurion [5032000966] | $15,583 | 119% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $17,381 | 133% |
| Gallagher Bassett [5032000103] | $20,246 | 154% |
| Sedgwick Claims Management Services [53201618] | $20,246 | 154% |
| Prime Health Services [503999912] | $20,246 | 154% |
| Alt Bnsf Railway Co [503301503] | $20,246 | 154% |
| Occunet [503999930] | $25,172 | 192% |
| Fort Hays State Student Athletes [5032000960] | $25,172 | 192% |
| 6 Degrees Health [503999050] | $29,967 | 228% |
| Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions [503301513] | $37,936 | 289% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a total knee replacement at the University of KS Health System Great Bend Campus, the cash price of $7,694 is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $38,472. While this cash rate is higher than the state average for this procedure, it remains substantially below the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, which range from $4,264 to $16,084 depending on the specific plan. Patients with high-deductible plans or those who have already met their out-of-pocket maximums may find the cash price more advantageous than using insurance, as commercial negotiated rates often include administrative overhead that pushes the final cost well above the cash option. It is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network contracts can vary widely, and you should explicitly ask the billing department about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts that could further reduce the final balance.
When comparing this facility's pricing to Medicare benchmarks, the cash price of $7,694 represents a markup of approximately 59% over the Medicare rate of $13,117, which falls within the typical range of fair pricing (120% to 150% of Medicare). Although commercial negotiated rates often average 200% to 300% of Medicare, the facility's cash rate demonstrates a more transparent cost structure that aligns closer to the federal baseline. To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, request a full itemized bill that breaks down every CPT code and service rendered, as summary bills can obscure unbundled charges or services not actually provided. If you encounter a balance bill after insurance