CMS Price Transparency Data

Bunion correction surgery

Facility: Brooks-Tlc Hospital System, Inc

Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 28296
Insurance Median: $2,133
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.64x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Bunion correction surgery at Brooks-Tlc Hospital System, Inc is $2,133. 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 0.64x the Medicare baseline. Located in 529 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,133

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: $2,133 (64%)

Ins. Median: $2,133 (64% 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
Univera	$116 - $4,045	3%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$608 - $2,264	18%
Independent Health Association	$2,133 - $5,473	64%
Humana	$4,084	122%
Wellcare	$4,207	126%
Emblemhealth	$5,310	159%
UnitedHealthcare	$10,914	326%

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 Brooks-Tlc Hospital System, Inc 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.