CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Fairview Bethesda Hospital

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,206
Cash Discount Price: $806
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.95x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Fairview Bethesda Hospital is $1,206. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $806. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 45 10Th St W, Saint Paul, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$806

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,206

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: $806 (331%)

Insurance Median: $1,206 (495%)

Cash: $806 (331% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,206 (495% 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 495% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 395%). 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
Health Partners	$44 - $2,348	18%
Itasca Medical Care	$44 - $241	18%
Primewest	$44 - $241	18%
South Country Health Alliance	$44 - $241	18%
Ucare	$45 - $1,262	18%
Medica	$47 - $2,180	19%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$50 - $1,777	21%
Hennepin Health	$50 - $246	21%
Sanford Health Plan	$60 - $1,776	25%
Security Health Plan	$60 - $2,261	25%
UnitedHealthcare	$60 - $1,722	25%
Wellcare	$60 - $241	25%
America'S Ppo	$1,004 - $2,171	412%
First Health	$1,580 - $2,472	648%
Multiplan	$1,638 - $2,563	672%
Private Healthcare Systems	$1,638 - $2,563	672%
Wisconsin Physician Services	$1,734 - $2,714	711%

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 $806.
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 Fairview Bethesda 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.