MRI, knee or other leg joint
Facility: Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 73721
- Insurance Median: $2,921
- Cash Discount Price: $2,597
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.98x 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 1198% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1098%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Centura Employee Plan | $543 | 223% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $737 | 302% |
| Kansas Health | $1,039 - $2,078 | 426% |
| Medicare (plans) | $1,039 - $2,078 | 426% |
| Aetna | $1,039 - $5,194 | 426% |
| Humana | $1,039 - $2,078 | 426% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $1,039 - $5,414 | 426% |
| Multiplan | $2,921 - $6,038 | 1198% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $3,051 - $6,103 | 1252% |
| Wppa | $3,084 - $6,168 | 1265% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For patients seeking an MRI of the knee or other leg joint at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, the financial landscape varies significantly depending on payment method. While the facility's cash median rate is $2,597, commercial insurance plans typically pay negotiated rates ranging from $543 to $6,168, with the highest negotiated amount reaching $6,168 for WPPA. Notably, the cash price is lower than the facility's median negotiated rate of $2,921, meaning patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may save money by paying cash directly, provided they secure a "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount before scheduling. It is important to remember that commercial rates often include administrative overhead and do not reflect the true cost of care, which is better understood by comparing these figures to the Medicare benchmark of $243.77.
Patients should be aware that balance billing can occur if they receive care from out-of-network providers, even at an in-network facility, where the provider bills the difference between their full chargemaster rate and the insurance allowed amount. To avoid unexpected costs, consumers should request a full itemized billing audit before paying, as summary bills often hide unbundled codes or services not rendered. Furthermore, while the No Surprises Act protects against balance billing for emergency services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to verify network status and check for prompt-pay discounts prior to check-in. By comparing the facility's rates against the Medicare benchmark and actively disputing any errors via certified mail, patients can ensure they are not overcharged and have the best possible financial outcome for their healthcare needs.