CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,824
Cash Discount Price: $2,231
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.48x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $1,824. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,231. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.48x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,231

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,824

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: $2,231 (915%)

Insurance Median: $1,824 (748%)

Cash: $2,231 (915% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,824 (748% 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 748% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 648%). 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
Cigna	$227 - $2,084	93%
Humana	$232 - $3,031	95%
Wellcare	$234	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$238 - $1,872	98%
Devoted Health	$238	98%
Gateway	$238	98%
Longevity Healthcare	$238	98%
Liberty Advantage	$241	99%
Troy	$241	99%
Mdsave	$242	99%
UnitedHealthcare	$332 - $3,497	136%
Directnet	$500	205%
Caresource North Carolina	$511	210%
Medcost	$1,824 - $2,432	748%
Aetna	$2,222 - $2,308	912%
Prime Health Service	$2,736 - $2,842	1122%
Multiplan	$3,101 - $3,221	1272%

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 $2,231.
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 Catawba Valley Medical Center 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.