CMS Price Transparency Data

Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 81001 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 81001
Insurance Median: $76
Cash Discount Price: $88
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.97x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $76. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $88. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.17, this hospital’s rate is 23.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$88

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$76

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3.17

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.17 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $88 (2776%)

Insurance Median: $76 (2397%)

Cash: $88 (2776% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $76 (2397% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3.17 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 2397% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2297%). 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
Aetna	$3 - $102	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3	95%
Cigna	$3 - $105	95%
Cooper Green	$3	95%
Humana	$3 - $123	95%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$3	95%
Triwest	$3	95%
United Mine Workers	$3	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$3	95%
Ambetter / Centene	$4	126%
Viva	$4 - $72	126%
Phcs	$54 - $102	1703%
Beech Street	$56 - $102	1767%
One Health Plan	$58 - $94	1830%
Geha	$63 - $102	1987%
Healthchoice	$63 - $102	1987%
Alamed	$70 - $114	2208%
Construction Claims Management	$73 - $117	2303%
Corvel	$74 - $130	2334%
Multiplan	$74 - $119	2334%
Novanet	$75 - $121	2366%
Department Of Labor	$78 - $126	2461%
Heritage Summit Health	$78 - $126	2461%
Pnoa	$81 - $130	2555%
Three Rivers	$81 - $130	2555%

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 $88.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 81001.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 81001.
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.