Bunion correction surgery
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc
Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 28296
- Insurance Median: $2,030
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.61x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $2,030 | 61% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For bunion correction surgery at Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc in Wichita, KS, the negotiated rate for Aetna members is $2,030, which aligns exactly with the lowest and highest reported values for this service. This specific rate is significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $3,342.87, reflecting a discount of 40% compared to the federal baseline. While cash prices are not listed for this procedure, patients with high-deductible plans should note that paying out-of-pocket can sometimes be more cost-effective if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the facility's cash price. It is always advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final amount owed.
Because commercial insurance contracts often include administrative overheads that inflate baseline prices, the negotiated rate of $2,030 represents a fair market value rather than a full list price. Patients should be aware that balance billing is generally prohibited for in-network services under the No Surprises Act, meaning they should not expect to be billed for the difference between the hospital's chargemaster and the insurance payment. If you receive an itemized bill, ensure it breaks down every CPT code to verify that no unbundled charges or services not rendered are included. For the most accurate pricing, always confirm your specific plan's deductible status and allowed amount with the hospital before scheduling your appointment.