CMS Price Transparency Data

Sepsis treatment (inpatient stay)

Facility: Penn State Health St. Joseph

Billing Code: 871 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 871
Insurance Median: $16,037
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Sepsis treatment (inpatient stay) at Penn State Health St. Joseph is $16,037. 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 $14,116.91, this hospital’s rate is 1.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2500 Bernville Road, Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$16,037

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$14,116.91

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $14,116.91 (100%)

Insurance Median: $16,037 (114%)

Ins. Median: $16,037 (114% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $14,116.91 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
[Ibc]	$6,099 - $15,957	43%
[Highmark]	$15,797 - $45,507	112%
Aetna	$15,957 - $35,554	113%
UnitedHealthcare	$15,957 - $40,684	113%
[Amerihealth Caritas]	$15,957	113%
[Cbc]	$15,957 - $35,299	113%
[Geisinger]	$15,957	113%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$15,957	113%
Humana	$16,116	114%
[Healthspring]	$16,116	114%
[Health Partners Plans]	$16,276	115%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$16,436	116%
[Upmc]	$16,756	119%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$19,946	141%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$36,406	258%
Cigna	$37,937	269%
[Highmark Aca]	$38,226	271%

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: 871.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Penn State Health St. Joseph is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for MS-DRG code 871.
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.