Bunion correction surgery
Facility: Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 28296
- Insurance Median: $4,438
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.33x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $4,438 | 133% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the Bunion correction surgery (CPT 28296) at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, the negotiated rate with Blue Cross Blue Shield is $4,438. This amount is 30% higher than the Medicare benchmark of $3,342.87, reflecting the typical markup found in commercial contracts. While this facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by a voluntary non-profit church, there is no publicly available cash or median paid data to compare against the state or county averages. In such cases, patients should verify if the facility offers self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can significantly reduce the final cost if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price.
To ensure you receive the most accurate pricing, it is essential to request a prompt-pay discount before scheduling your visit, as billing systems often default to insurance processing once a card is on file. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask specifically for a "self-pay" classification and a waiver of insurance submission to avoid automatic claims that could void any cash agreement. Additionally, always request a full itemized bill before paying to identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain discrepancies that can be corrected through a formal written audit dispute.