Bunion correction surgery
Facility: Republic County Hospital
Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 28296
- Insurance Median: $3,588
- Cash Discount Price: $2,925
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.07x 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 $3,342.87 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Carriers-All Plans | $3,315 | 99% |
| Aetna | $3,510 | 105% |
| Meritain-All Plans | $3,510 | 105% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $3,588 | 107% |
| First Health-All Plans | $3,705 | 111% |
| Midlands Choice-All Plans | $3,705 | 111% |
| Cigna | $3,705 | 111% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the bunion correction surgery (CPT 28296) at Republic County Hospital in Belleville, KS, the facility's cash median price is $2,925, which is lower than the negotiated rates paid by insurance carriers ranging from $3,315 to $3,705. This price transparency data shows that paying cash upfront can be a more cost-effective option for patients with high-deductible plans, as the cash rate avoids the administrative markups inherent in insurance billing cycles. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients should verify if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available before scheduling, as these programs can further reduce the final amount owed by bypassing the standard insurance claims processing fees.
The facility's negotiated rate of $3,588 aligns with the median paid amount across all seven payers listed, including major carriers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. Although the data does not provide specific county or state average benchmarks for this procedure, the Medicare benchmark of $3,342.87 serves as a scientifically validated baseline for evaluating pricing fairness, with commercial rates typically ranging from 120% to 300% of this amount depending on contract terms. To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, it is recommended to request an itemized billing audit before payment, as summary bills often obscure individual code costs and potential errors. Additionally, under the No Surprises Act, you are protected from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, so you should never feel pressured to pay a surprise difference without first disputing the claim with your insurer.