MRI, knee or other leg joint
Facility: Logan County Hospital
Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 73721
- Insurance Median: $1,374
- Cash Discount Price: $500
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.64x 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 $243.77 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 564% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 464%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 | $553 | 227% |
| Humana | $848 | 348% |
| Health Partners - All Plans | $1,900 | 779% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $2,000 | 820% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI of a knee or other leg joint at Logan County Hospital in Oakley, Kansas, the facility's cash median rate is $500, which is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield ($553), Humana ($848), and Health Partners ($1,900). This price difference highlights how commercial insurance contracts often result in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients compared to self-pay options, particularly for those with high-deductible plans where the insurance allowed amount may exceed the cash price. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients should verify their specific plan details before scheduling, as some policies may cover the full negotiated rate while others require the patient to pay the difference.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is crucial to request an itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices can hide unbundled codes or services not rendered. If you receive a balance bill for the difference between the negotiated rate and the cash price, you may be eligible for protections under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Additionally, since the cash rate of $500 is substantially lower than the Medicare benchmark of $243.77 (indicating a 5.6x markup relative to Medicare), you should contact the hospital directly to inquire about prompt-pay discounts or self-pay rates that could further reduce your total cost.