CMS Price Transparency Data

Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)

Facility: Sharp Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 81001 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 81001
Insurance Median: $74
Cash Discount Price: $83
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy) at Sharp Memorial Hospital is $74. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $83. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.17, this hospital’s rate is 23.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 7901 Frost St, San Diego, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$83

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$74

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: $83 (2618%)

Insurance Median: $74 (2334%)

Cash: $83 (2618% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $74 (2334% 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 2334% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2234%). 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
Indian Health Council	$38	1199%
Medicare (plans)	$44 - $78	1388%
Molina	$56 - $63	1767%
Health Net	$61	1924%
Blue Shield	$63	1987%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$67	2114%
UnitedHealthcare	$74 - $78	2334%
Aetna	$78	2461%
Community Health Group	$83	2618%
Epic Americas	$83	2618%
Managed Health Network	$85	2681%
Medi-Cal	$100	3155%

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 $83.
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 Sharp Memorial Hospital 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.