CMS Price Transparency Data

Heart stent placement (inpatient stay)

Facility: Frye Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 322 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 322
Insurance Median: $22,405
Cash Discount Price: $51,118
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.75x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Heart stent placement (inpatient stay) at Frye Regional Medical Center is $22,405. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $51,118. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $12,807.1, this hospital’s rate is 1.75x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$51,118

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$22,405

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%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $51,118 (399%)

Insurance Median: $22,405 (175%)

Cash: $51,118 (399% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $22,405 (175% 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
Humana	$12,402 - $12,414	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$12,539 - $36,822	98%
Aetna	$12,649 - $12,676	99%
Ambetter / Centene	$18,787 - $18,934	147%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$18,963 - $27,121	148%
State Health Plan	$22,581	176%
Cigna	$27,726	216%
Wellcare Of North Carolina, Inc	$27,935	218%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina	$28,520	223%
Carolina Complete Health Inc.	$54,377	425%

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 $51,118.
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 Frye Regional Medical Center 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.