MRI, knee or other leg joint
Facility: Stevens County Hospital
Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 73721
- Insurance Median: $770
- Cash Discount Price: $885
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.16x 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 316% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 216%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $327 | 134% |
| Aetna | $337 - $885 | 138% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $525 - $553 | 215% |
| First Health - All Plans | $796 | 327% |
| Wppa - All Plans | $841 | 345% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $885 | 363% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI of a knee or other leg joint at Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton, Kansas, the cash price is $885, which matches the facility's gross chargemaster rate. This cash price is significantly higher than the state average for this procedure, which is approximately $244 based on Medicare benchmarks. While commercial insurance plans like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiate rates ranging from $327 to $885, these negotiated amounts often exceed the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans or those who have not yet met their out-of-pocket maximum may find paying the full cash price of $885 directly to the hospital more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the insurer's allowed amount could result in a balance bill that is higher than the cash rate.
To minimize costs, patients should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50%. It is also important to request a detailed, itemized billing audit rather than accepting a summary bill, as over 80% of hospital invoices contain errors such as unbundled codes or charges for services not rendered. If a patient receives a surprise bill from an out-of-network provider, they should not pay immediately but instead dispute the charge with their insurer to invoke protections under the No Surprises Act. By comparing the facility's rates directly to the Medicare benchmark of $243.77 and seeking cash discounts, patients can avoid unexpected financial burdens and ensure they are paying a fair price for their care.