CMS Price Transparency Data

Total knee replacement

Facility: Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital

Billing Code: 27447 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 27447
Insurance Median: $21,670
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.65x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Total knee replacement at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital is $21,670. 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 $13,116.76, this hospital’s rate is 1.65x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 Sewell Dr, Sparta, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$21,670

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13,116.76

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13,116.76 (100%)

Insurance Median: $21,670 (165%)

Ins. Median: $21,670 (165% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13,116.76 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
Cigna	$2,118 - $21,784	16%
UnitedHealthcare	$17,738 - $25,785	135%
Aetna	$21,555 - $23,491	164%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$24,480 - $28,151	187%

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: 27447.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 27447.
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.