Application of heat wave therapy
Medicare pricing data for 191 providers across 20 states
This procedure has a 5.7x markup — hospitals charge $28.32 but Medicare allows only $4.94. Uninsured patients may face bills 5.7 times higher than what insurance negotiates. Note: These costs reflect the Medicare physician/supplier component. Hospital facility fees are billed separately and can be 2-5x the physician fee.
💡 What You Should Know
Application of heat wave therapy (HCPCS code 97024) is a medical procedure billed to Medicare. The average Medicare-allowed cost is $4.94, but hospitals typically charge $28.32 — a 5.7x markup. Prices vary significantly by state and provider.
🏷️ Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost
Medicare patients typically pay about 20% of the allowed amount as coinsurance. Based on the average allowed cost of $4.94, your out-of-pocket cost would be approximately $0.99. Actual costs depend on your specific plan, deductible, and whether you've met your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
What Hospitals Charge vs. What Medicare Pays
Hospitals charge 5.7x more than what Medicare allows for this procedure. Medicare actually pays $3.84 on average.
Cost by State
Medicare-allowed amounts vary significantly by state
| State | Allowed Cost | Hospital Charge | Providers | Services | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $6 | $52 | 25 | 949 | +17.0% |
| California | $5 | $31 | 28 | 4,592 | +10.9% |
| Missouri | $5 | $10 | 2 | 586 | +6.1% |
| Florida | $5 | $85 | 10 | 296 | +4.9% |
| Illinois | $5 | $14 | 9 | 57 | +2.2% |
| Pennsylvania | $5 | $16 | 12 | 597 | -0.6% |
| Massachusetts | $5 | $13 | 6 | 361 | -1.2% |
| Washington | $5 | $7 | 3 | 120 | -2.2% |
| New Hampshire | $5 | $13 | 1 | 479 | -2.4% |
| South Carolina | $5 | $67 | 3 | 184 | -5.1% |
| Oregon | $5 | $13 | 3 | 100 | -6.3% |
| Iowa | $4 | $17 | 1 | 87 | -9.1% |
| Alabama | $4 | $32 | 12 | 352 | -10.3% |
| Ohio | $4 | $98 | 10 | 352 | -11.1% |
| Arizona | $4 | $17 | 5 | 629 | -11.3% |
| Virginia | $4 | $16 | 5 | 647 | -11.5% |
| North Carolina | $4 | $55 | 1 | 189 | -12.6% |
| Mississippi | $4 | $11 | 12 | 1,937 | -14.0% |
| Arkansas | $4 | $11 | 3 | 692 | -14.4% |
| Texas | $4 | $34 | 7 | 313 | -14.6% |
⚠️ Important: These costs reflect the Medicare physician/supplier component. Hospital facility fees may be billed separately. Total out-of-pocket costs may be higher.
💊 Need post-procedure medications? Check costs on OpenPrescriber