CMS Price Transparency Data

Heart stent placement (inpatient stay)

Facility: Buffalo Hospital

Billing Code: 322 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 322
Insurance Median: $19,681
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.54x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Heart stent placement (inpatient stay) at Buffalo Hospital is $19,681. 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 1.54x the Medicare baseline. Located in 303 Catlin Street, Buffalo, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$19,681

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: $19,681 (154%)

Ins. Median: $19,681 (154% 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
Medica Health System	$8,975 - $25,560	70%
Aetna	$13,244	103%
Medicare (plans)	$13,995 - $14,239	109%
Medica	$14,809 - $24,285	116%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14,951	117%
South Country Health Alliance	$15,663	122%
Medica Ub Health (B)	$16,996	133%
Medica Mhps	$24,285	190%
Healthpartners	$27,406	214%
Health Partners	$29,872 - $34,186	233%
UnitedHealthcare	$40,415	316%

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 Buffalo Hospital 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.