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Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital

Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY charges 6.5x the Medicare reimbursement rate across 65 analyzed procedures, reflecting typical pricing patterns for nonprofit religious hospitals.

Paducah, KY 42003 · Acute Care Hospitals · CMS Rating: 2/5

By Elena Vasquez , Medical Billing Research Lead · ·
Data from CMS files published FY 2024 CMS IPPS. Refreshed weekly.
About the analyst

Elena Vasquez leads hospital billing pattern analysis at BillRazor Research. She focuses on identifying overcharges, markup outliers, and patient advocacy strategies. Expertise: hospital billing patterns, overcharge analysis, patient advocacy.

65 procedures analyzed
CMS price transparency data
Updated 2026-04-03
Median 4.5x2.6x15.0x
6.5x
Medicare markup ratio
KY lowestMercy Health - Lourdes...KY highest
6.5x
Avg markup ratio
6.5x
Median markup
65
Procedures
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Billing patterns — nonprofit-religious

Nonprofit religious hospitals, representing 203 facilities in the dataset, demonstrate an average markup of 5.4x Medicare rates, positioning them in the mid-range compared to other ownership types. These institutions typically maintain standardized charge structures across their health system networks, often reflecting their mission-driven approach to healthcare delivery. Patients at nonprofit religious hospitals may encounter charges above the benchmark for routine procedures, though many offer financial assistance programs and charity care policies that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying individuals. Common billing patterns include transparent pricing for elective procedures and comprehensive financial counseling services. The potential difference between listed charges and actual patient responsibility can be substantial, particularly for uninsured patients who may qualify for sliding-scale payment options. Patients should inquire about available financial assistance programs during the admissions process, as these hospitals often have more flexible payment arrangements compared to for-profit facilities, reflecting their tax-exempt status and community benefit obligations.

Pricing grade

D

High

Avg markup vs Medicare

6.49x

Charge / Medicare rate

Max markup

10.77x

Worst procedure

Procedures analyzed

65

With pricing data

Outlier procedures

0%

Above 90th percentile

Pricing grades reflect how this hospital's chargemaster (list) rates compare to Medicare reimbursement benchmarks within the same state. Grades measure pricing patterns only — not quality of care, patient outcomes, or clinical performance. A lower grade does not mean a hospital provides inferior care. Based on publicly available federal data. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency.

ProcedureCodeGross chargeCash priceMedicareMarkup
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA AND CONDUCTION DISORDERS WITHOUT CC/MCC310$26,129$13,06410.8x
ATHEROSCLEROSIS WITHOUT MCC303$33,294$16,64710.8x
INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE OR CEREBRAL INFARCTION WITHOUT CC/MCC066$32,149$16,07410.3x
CHEST PAIN313$31,594$15,7979.2x
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA AND CONDUCTION DISORDERS WITH MCC308$55,350$27,6758.8x
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA AND CONDUCTION DISORDERS WITH CC309$30,076$15,0388.4x
CIRCULATORY DISORDERS EXCEPT AMI, WITH CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION WITHOUT MCC287$49,960$24,9808.4x
PERCUTANEOUS CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES WITH DRUG-ELUTING STENT WITHOUT MCC247$83,970$41,9858.4x
DIABETES WITH MCC637$56,305$28,1527.8x
KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS WITHOUT MCC690$30,555$15,2777.8x
FRACTURE, SPRAIN, STRAIN AND DISLOCATION EXCEPT FEMUR, HIP, PELVIS AND THIGH WITHOUT MCC563$32,322$16,1617.7x
SYNCOPE AND COLLAPSE312$35,425$17,7137.7x
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, DISCHARGED ALIVE WITH CC281$38,339$19,1707.6x
OTHER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DIAGNOSES WITH CC394$40,198$20,0997.6x
ESOPHAGITIS, GASTROENTERITIS AND MISCELLANEOUS DIGESTIVE DISORDERS WITHOUT MCC392$29,445$14,7237.6x
SEIZURES WITHOUT MCC101$35,602$17,8017.5x
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS WITH VENTILATOR SUPPORT <=96 HOURS208$94,229$47,1147.4x
GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE WITH CC378$40,204$20,1027.4x
INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE OR CEREBRAL INFARCTION WITH CC OR TPA IN 24 HOURS065$38,343$19,1717.4x
TRANSIENT ISCHEMIA WITHOUT THROMBOLYTIC069$28,673$14,3367.3x
SIMPLE PNEUMONIA AND PLEURISY WITH CC194$31,205$15,6037.2x
REVISION OF HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT WITHOUT CC/MCC468$105,642$52,8217.1x
MAJOR HIP AND KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT OR REATTACHMENT OF LOWER EXTREMITY WITHOUT MCC470$74,561$37,2817x
SEPTICEMIA OR SEVERE SEPSIS WITHOUT MV >96 HOURS WITHOUT MCC872$35,751$17,8757x
MEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITHOUT MCC552$33,808$16,9047x
RENAL FAILURE WITH CC683$32,904$16,4526.8x
HIP REPLACEMENT WITH PRINCIPAL DIAGNOSIS OF HIP FRACTURE WITHOUT MCC522$82,822$41,4116.8x
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, DISCHARGED ALIVE WITH MCC280$68,370$34,1856.7x
REVISION OF HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT WITH CC467$135,067$67,5336.6x
MISCELLANEOUS DISORDERS OF NUTRITION, METABOLISM, FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES WITHOUT MCC641$25,426$12,7136.6x
HIP AND FEMUR PROCEDURES EXCEPT MAJOR JOINT WITH CC481$73,048$36,5246.6x
MAJOR JOINT OR LIMB REATTACHMENT PROCEDURES OF UPPER EXTREMITIES483$90,032$45,0166.5x
ESOPHAGITIS, GASTROENTERITIS AND MISCELLANEOUS DIGESTIVE DISORDERS WITH MCC391$45,319$22,6606.5x
PULMONARY EDEMA AND RESPIRATORY FAILURE189$43,976$21,9886.5x
PERCUTANEOUS CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES WITH DRUG-ELUTING STENT WITH MCC OR 4+ ARTERIES O246$112,512$56,2566.3x
SIMPLE PNEUMONIA AND PLEURISY WITH MCC193$46,090$23,0456.3x
HIP AND FEMUR PROCEDURES EXCEPT MAJOR JOINT WITH MCC480$112,583$56,2926.2x
CORONARY BYPASS WITH CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION OR OPEN ABLATION WITH MCC233$293,611$146,8056.2x
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AND INFLAMMATIONS WITH CC178$33,123$16,5626x
DISORDERS OF LIVER EXCEPT MALIGNANCY, CIRRHOSIS OR ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS WITH CC442$34,323$17,1616x
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE WITH MCC190$35,563$17,7815.9x
OTHER KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT DIAGNOSES WITH CC699$32,564$16,2825.8x
MISCELLANEOUS DISORDERS OF NUTRITION, METABOLISM, FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES WITH MCC640$40,118$20,0595.8x
CELLULITIS WITHOUT MCC603$24,646$12,3235.6x
SEPTICEMIA OR SEVERE SEPSIS WITHOUT MV >96 HOURS WITH MCC871$60,627$30,3145.6x
MAJOR SMALL AND LARGE BOWEL PROCEDURES WITH MCC329$138,228$69,1145.6x
OTHER CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DIAGNOSES WITH MCC314$52,424$26,2125.4x
HEART FAILURE AND SHOCK WITH MCC291$38,528$19,2645.4x
CIRCULATORY DISORDERS EXCEPT AMI, WITH CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION WITH MCC286$68,465$34,2335.4x
KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS WITH MCC689$31,709$15,8545.2x

Showing 50 of 65 procedures

How MERCY HEALTH - LOURDES HOSPITAL compares to nearby hospitals

Comparison based on average markup ratios from federal hospital pricing data (FY 2024). Chargemaster rates are gross charges — they are not what most insured patients pay. Actual costs depend on your insurance plan, negotiated rates, and coverage terms. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Verify costs directly with your provider and insurer.

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Pricing data from federal hospital transparency files and physician fee schedules. Last updated: . All data is publicly available under federal law.

Rates shown are from the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and CMS IPPS. BillRazor compares your bill against these data sources. See how it works →

FAQ — nonprofit-religious hospital billing

How do nonprofit religious hospital charges compare to Medicare rates?
Data shows that 203 nonprofit religious hospitals have an average markup of 5.4 times Medicare rates for similar services. These hospitals operate under religious organizational structures while maintaining nonprofit tax status, which provides context for their billing practices and pricing structures.
What does a 5.4x Medicare markup mean for my medical bills?
A 5.4x markup means these hospitals typically charge 5.4 times what Medicare would pay for the same service. For example, if Medicare pays $1,000 for a procedure, the hospital's standard charge would average $5,400, though your actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance coverage and negotiated rates.
Are nonprofit religious hospitals required to offer financial assistance?
Yes, nonprofit hospitals including religious institutions must provide charity care and financial assistance programs as a condition of their tax-exempt status. These hospitals are required to have written financial assistance policies and must make them publicly available, though the specific terms and eligibility requirements vary by institution.
How can I find out the actual charges at a specific nonprofit religious hospital?
Nonprofit hospitals are required to publish their standard charges online, typically called a 'chargemaster' or price transparency list. You can also request a good faith estimate before receiving services, which may show potential differences between standard charges and what you might actually pay based on your insurance coverage.

Related pricing data

Data: Federal hospital pricing data, updated annually. All data publicly available under federal law.

Methodology: Hospital gross charges divided by Medicare payment for the same DRG. A ratio of 3.0x means the hospital's listed price is 3 times what Medicare pays. Chargemaster rates are list prices — they are not what most insured patients pay. Grades measure pricing patterns only — not quality of care or clinical performance.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical, financial, or legal advice. Actual costs depend on your insurance and provider. We recommend verifying costs directly with your provider. Full methodology · Terms of use

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