CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $688
Cash Discount Price: $2,965
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Howard County Medical Center is $688. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,965. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,965

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$688

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: $2,965 (1216%)

Insurance Median: $688 (282%)

Cash: $2,965 (1216% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $688 (282% 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 282% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 182%). 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
Medica Standard Premier	$60 - $190	25%
Aetna	$62 - $2,817	25%
Medica Elevate	$117 - $371	48%
Midland'S Choice	$123 - $390	50%
Humana	$158	65%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$185 - $2,817	76%
Great Plains	$185 - $1,690	76%
Medica Chi	$185 - $1,690	76%
Tricare	$185 - $2,224	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$185 - $2,846	76%
Nebraska Total Care - Wellcare	$191	78%
Molina Healthcare	$195 - $1,482	80%
Oscar Health	$325	133%
Ambetter / Centene	$371	152%
Beshp	$371	152%
Nebraska Total Care	$1,482	608%
Medica Chi Aco	$2,698	1107%
Medica Choice National	$2,698	1107%
Medica Ifb Aco	$2,846	1167%
Medica Ifb Open Access	$2,846	1167%

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 $2,965.
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 Howard County 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.