CMS Price Transparency Data

Bunion correction surgery

Facility: Essentia Health

Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 28296
Insurance Median: $3,245
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.97x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Bunion correction surgery at Essentia Health is $3,245. 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 $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3000 32Nd Ave South, Fargo, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,245

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3,342.87

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3,342.87 (100%)

Insurance Median: $3,245 (97%)

Ins. Median: $3,245 (97% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3,342.87 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
Primewest	$3,121	93%
Advocare/Security Health	$3,245	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3,245 - $7,395	97%
Freedom Blue Ppo	$3,245	97%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv	$3,245	97%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime	$3,245	97%
Imcare Msho Ref Req	$3,245	97%
Itasca Med Care	$3,245	97%
Medica Advantage Solutions	$3,245	97%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions	$3,245	97%
Medica Prime Solution Group	$3,245	97%
Medicare (plans)	$3,245	97%
Nd Va Administration	$3,245	97%
Platinum Blue/Vantage Blue	$3,245	97%
Primewest Msho	$3,245	97%
Secure Blue Msho	$3,245	97%
Ubh Cost Plan	$3,245	97%
Ubh Msho	$3,245	97%
Ucare Msho	$3,245	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,245	97%
Sanford Health Plan	$5,746	172%

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 CPT Code matches exactly: 28296.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Essentia Health is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 28296.
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.