CMS Price Transparency Data

Heart stent placement (inpatient stay)

Facility: North Shore Medical Center -

Billing Code: 322 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 322
Insurance Median: $17,532
Cash Discount Price: $54,594
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Heart stent placement (inpatient stay) at North Shore Medical Center - is $17,532. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $54,594. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $12,807.1, this hospital’s rate is 1.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 81 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$54,594

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$17,532

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%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $54,594 (426%)

Insurance Median: $17,532 (137%)

Cash: $54,594 (426% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $17,532 (137% 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
Tufts Health Plan [170001]	$16,144	126%
UnitedHealthcare	$16,144	126%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$16,474 - $50,725	129%
Fallon Health [1008]	$16,474	129%
Humana	$16,474	129%
Medicare (plans)	$16,474	129%
Aetna	$16,968	132%
Wellpoint [1015]	$18,097	141%
Masshealth [3001]	$24,467	191%
Mgb Health Plan [150001]	$45,979	359%

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 $54,594.
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 North Shore 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.