CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Trident Medical Center

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $4,633
Cash Discount Price: $16,220
vs. Medicare Baseline: 19.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Trident Medical Center is $4,633. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $16,220. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 19.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$16,220

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,633

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: $16,220 (6654%)

Insurance Median: $4,633 (1901%)

Cash: $16,220 (6654% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,633 (1901% 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 1901% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1801%). 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
Select Health	$248	102%
Absolute Total Care	$423 - $4,312	174%
United	$518 - $10,780	212%
Sc State Employees	$622	255%
Blue Choice	$726	298%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$907	372%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$907 - $22,757	372%
Nhc Advantage	$1,612 - $4,551	661%
Pruitt Health	$1,612 - $4,551	661%
Aetna	$1,909 - $4,684	783%
Medcost	$3,241 - $13,463	1330%
Employers Health Network	$3,818 - $10,780	1566%
Vocational Rehab	$4,582 - $12,936	1880%
Humana	$5,515 - $17,966	2262%
First Health	$6,194 - $17,487	2541%
Evernorth	$6,788 - $19,164	2785%
Multiplan	$7,212 - $20,362	2959%
Prime Health	$7,212 - $20,362	2959%
Novanet	$7,636 - $21,560	3132%

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 $16,220.
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 Trident 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.