CMS Price Transparency Data

Heart stent placement (inpatient stay)

Facility: Northern Louisiana Medical Center

Billing Code: 322 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 322
Insurance Median: $11,634
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Heart stent placement (inpatient stay) at Northern Louisiana Medical Center is $11,634. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $12,807.1, this hospital’s rate is 0.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 East Vaughn Avenue, Ruston, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$11,634

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$12,807.1

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $12,807.1 (100%)

Insurance Median: $11,634 (91%)

Ins. Median: $11,634 (91% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $12,807.1 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.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Champus	$9,307	73%
Champva	$9,307	73%
Tricare	$9,307 - $11,634	73%
Aetna	$11,107	87%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$11,634 - $22,336	91%
Gulf South Services	$11,634	91%
Humana	$11,634	91%
Medicare (plans)	$11,634	91%
Mutual Of Omaha	$11,634	91%
Va	$11,634	91%
Vantage Advantage	$11,634	91%
Veterans Evaluation Svcs	$11,634	91%
Golden Rule Ins	$19,585	153%
UnitedHealthcare	$19,585	153%
Vantage Health Plan Ppaca	$20,941	164%
Vantage Health Plan	$22,104	173%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $X.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify MS-DRG Code matches exactly: 322.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northern Louisiana Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for MS-DRG code 322.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.