CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Buffalo Hospital

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,272
Cash Discount Price: $1,819
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Buffalo Hospital is $1,272. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,819. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 303 Catlin Street, Buffalo, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,819

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,272

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,819 (746%)

Insurance Median: $1,272 (522%)

Cash: $1,819 (746% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,272 (522% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 522% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 422%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Medicaid / KanCare	$227	93%
Aetna	$234 - $2,207	96%
South Country Health Alliance	$234	96%
Medicare (plans)	$246	101%
Medica	$256 - $1,209	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$258 - $1,032	106%
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$560 - $747	230%
Health Partners	$605 - $890	248%
Medica Health System	$796 - $1,272	327%
Healthpartners	$816	335%
Medica Mhps	$1,209	496%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$2,148 - $2,864	881%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,330	956%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$2,339 - $3,118	960%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$2,339 - $3,118	960%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$2,785 - $3,712	1142%

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 $1,819.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 73721.

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 CPT code 73721.
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.