CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Atrium Health Lincoln

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $455
Cash Discount Price: $1,922
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Atrium Health Lincoln is $455. 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 1.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 433 McAlister Rd, Lincolnton, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,922

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$455

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: $455 (187%)

Cash: $1,922 (788% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $455 (187% 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.

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
Amerihealth Caritas	$56 - $434	23%
Carolina Complete Health	$56 - $442	23%
Healthy Blue	$56 - $442	23%
Partners	$56 - $446	23%
Trillium	$56 - $455	23%
UnitedHealthcare	$56 - $2,191	23%
Vaya	$56 - $446	23%
Wellcare	$56 - $442	23%
Alliance	$57 - $451	23%
Cigna	$60 - $2,595	25%
Humana	$61 - $231	25%
Aetna	$62 - $3,268	25%
Orthocarolina	$75 - $283	31%
Ambetter / Centene	$259 - $1,430	106%
Medcost	$399 - $2,514	164%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,102 - $1,956	452%
Employers Health Network	$1,699	697%
Physician Reach Out	$1,922	788%
Gmmi	$2,499	1025%
Quik Trip	$2,499	1025%
Choicecare	$3,153	1293%
First Health	$3,268	1341%
Beechstreet	$3,460	1419%
Private Health Care Systems	$3,460	1419%
Multiplan	$3,652	1498%

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 $1,922.
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 Atrium Health Lincoln 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.