CMS Price Transparency Data

Bunion correction surgery

Facility: Christus Ochsner Lake Area Hospital

Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 28296
Insurance Median: $2,949
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.88x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Bunion correction surgery at Christus Ochsner Lake Area Hospital is $2,949. 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 $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4200 Nelson Road, Lake Charles, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,949

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3,342.87

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3,342.87 (100%)

Insurance Median: $2,949 (88%)

Ins. Median: $2,949 (88% of 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.

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
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana	$553	17%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections	$553	17%
UnitedHealthcare	$553 - $3,943	17%
Healthy Blue Louisiana	$558	17%
Humana	$564 - $2,949	17%
Aetna	$580 - $2,949	17%
Triwest	$2,890	86%
Arcadian	$2,949	88%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,949 - $4,492	88%
Christus Health	$2,949 - $4,129	88%
Coventry	$2,949	88%
Vantage Health Plan Inc	$2,949	88%
Dignity Health	$3,038	91%
Peoples Health	$3,038	91%
Wellcare	$3,097	93%
Allyalign Health	$3,244	97%
Medicare (plans)	$3,244	97%
Five Point Credit Union	$4,020	120%
Cigna	$5,814	174%

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 CPT Code matches exactly: 28296.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Christus Ochsner Lake Area Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 28296.
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.