CMS Price Transparency Data

Bunion correction surgery

Facility: Astera Health

Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 28296
Insurance Median: $1,135
Cash Discount Price: $1,894
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Bunion correction surgery at Astera Health is $1,135. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,894. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 421 11Th Street Nw, Wadena, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,894

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,135

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%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,894 (57%)

Insurance Median: $1,135 (34%)

Cash: $1,894 (57% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,135 (34% 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
Ucare Pmap [30006]	$370 - $9,467	11%
Blue Plus Pmap [40002]	$383 - $847	11%
Health Partners Pmap [10046]	$383 - $13,082	11%
Medica Pmap [10057]	$383 - $9,701	11%
Primewest Pmap [30003]	$383 - $9,701	11%
UnitedHealthcare	$675 - $20,104	20%
Sanford Health Plan [10120]	$724 - $1,726	22%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$847 - $19,779	25%
Health Partners [10045]	$847 - $18,596	25%
Medica Nonpmap [10056]	$847 - $204,375	25%
Primewest Non Pmap [30004]	$847	25%
Ucare Non Pmap [30007]	$847 - $10,923	25%
Ucare Commercial [10705]	$1,950 - $19,334	58%
Multiplan	$2,099 - $20,806	63%
Aetna	$2,361 - $23,407	71%

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 $1,894.
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 Astera Health 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.