CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 73721
  • Insurance Median: $1,303
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,922
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.35x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is $1,303. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,922. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.35x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,922

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,303

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: $1,922 (788%)
Insurance Median: $1,303 (535%)
Cash: $1,922 (788% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,303 (535% 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 535% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 435%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Amerihealth Caritas $56 - $839 23%
Carolina Complete Health $56 - $3,845 23%
Healthy Blue $56 - $854 23%
Partners $56 - $846 23%
Trillium $56 - $898 23%
UnitedHealthcare $56 - $1,953 23%
Vaya $56 - $863 23%
Wellcare $56 - $854 23%
Alliance $57 - $1,003 23%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $60 - $2,227 25%
Cigna $60 - $3,076 25%
Humana $61 - $3,153 25%
Aetna $62 - $2,807 25%
Ortho Carolina $75 - $302 31%
Medcost $399 - $2,268 164%
Molina $626 257%
Sandhills $848 348%
Ambetter / Centene $1,117 - $1,815 458%
Employers Health Network $1,699 697%
Physician Reach Out $1,922 788%
Magellan $2,307 946%
Gmmi $2,499 1025%
Quik Trip $2,499 1025%
Carolina Behavioral Health $2,768 - $3,076 1135%
Choicecare $2,768 - $2,845 1135%
First Health $3,076 - $3,383 1262%
Healthgram $3,076 1262%
Private Health Care Systems $3,076 - $3,153 1262%
Provider Select $3,114 - $3,460 1277%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care $3,153 1293%
Beechstreet $3,345 - $3,383 1372%
Multiplan $3,460 1419%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals