Total knee replacement
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc
Billing Code: 27447 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 27447
- Insurance Median: $5,764
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.44x 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 $13,116.76 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 | $5,764 | 44% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a total knee replacement at Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc in Wichita, KS, the negotiated rate for Aetna is $5,764. This amount is significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $13,116.76, reflecting the standard administrative markup inherent in commercial insurance contracts. While the facility does not list a specific cash price, patients with high-deductible plans should be aware that paying out-of-pocket can sometimes be more cost-effective if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. To secure the best possible payment, it is essential to contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can offer substantial fee reductions for upfront payment.
This pricing data is based on a single payer and does not reflect broader state or county averages, so direct comparisons with regional norms are not available for this specific transaction. However, understanding the difference between the negotiated rate and the Medicare amount is crucial for financial planning, as commercial rates often include additional administrative costs beyond the true cost of care. If you receive a bill that appears higher than these figures, you should request a full itemized audit to identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain discrepancies. Additionally, if you are concerned about unexpected charges, the No Surprises Act provides federal protections against balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, allowing you to dispute any surprise invoices with your insurer.