CMS Price Transparency Data

Hip or knee replacement (inpatient stay)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 470 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 470
Insurance Median: $17,144
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Hip or knee replacement (inpatient stay) at UPMC Altoona is $17,144. 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 1.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$17,144

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: $17,144 (122%)

Ins. Median: $17,144 (122% 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
Upmc Work Partners	$9,674	69%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$15,874	113%
Upmc Health Plan	$15,955 - $21,547	114%
UnitedHealthcare	$16,985 - $28,930	121%
Amerihealth Caritas	$17,144	122%
Cigna	$17,144 - $23,155	122%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$17,144	122%
Pa Health & Wellness	$17,144	122%
Geisinger	$25,015	178%
Aetna	$26,736	190%

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 UPMC Altoona 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.