Total knee replacement
Facility: Meade District Hospital
Billing Code: 27447 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 27447
- Insurance Median: $20,689
- Cash Discount Price: $8,165
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.58x 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 | $20,689 | 158% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a total knee replacement at Meade District Hospital in Meade, Kansas, the cash price is $8,165, which is significantly lower than the facility's negotiated rate of $20,689. This cash rate is also notably lower than the Medicare benchmark of $13,116.76, suggesting that paying out-of-pocket may be the most cost-effective option for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the Government - Hospital District or Authority, patients should verify if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final amount owed.
The data indicates that this facility has only one payer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a single plan, and no specific state or county average rates were provided for comparison in this report. However, the substantial difference between the cash price and the negotiated rate highlights the importance of understanding billing structures before treatment. To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, we recommend requesting an itemized bill that breaks down every CPT code and service rendered, rather than accepting a summary invoice that may obscure individual charges. Additionally, if you encounter unexpected charges after care, you should dispute any balance billing through your insurance provider, as federal protections like the No Surprises Act may apply depending on the specific services received.