CMS Price Transparency Data

Hip or knee replacement (inpatient stay)

Facility: Atrium Health University City

Billing Code: 470 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 470
Insurance Median: $27,209
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Hip or knee replacement (inpatient stay) at Atrium Health University City is $27,209. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $14,044.15, this hospital’s rate is 1.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8800 North Tyron Street, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$27,209

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$14,044.15

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $14,044.15 (100%)

Insurance Median: $27,209 (194%)

Ins. Median: $27,209 (194% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $14,044.15 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	$16,720	119%
Aetna	$16,966 - $50,287	121%
Cigna	$17,212 - $36,422	123%
UnitedHealthcare	$17,263 - $25,886	123%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$18,732 - $33,109	133%
Ambetter / Centene	$20,262 - $25,511	144%
Ortho Carolina	$26,750	190%
Amerihealth Caritas	$26,955	192%
Carolina Complete Health	$27,463	196%
Healthy Blue	$27,463	196%
Partners	$27,463	196%
Wellcare	$27,463	196%
Vaya	$27,737	197%
Alliance	$28,012	199%
Trillium	$28,286	201%

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 $X.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify MS-DRG Code matches exactly: 470.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Atrium Health University City is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for MS-DRG code 470.
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.