CMS Price Transparency Data

Breathing treatment (nebulizer)

Facility: Natividad Medical Center

Billing Code: 94640 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 94640
Insurance Median: $576
Cash Discount Price: $823
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.57x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Breathing treatment (nebulizer) at Natividad Medical Center is $576. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $823. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $223.72, this hospital’s rate is 2.57x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1441 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$823

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$576

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$223.72

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $223.72 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $823 (368%)

Insurance Median: $576 (257%)

Cash: $823 (368% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $576 (257% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $223.72 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 257% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 157%). 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
Aspire Mcr Adv - All Plans	$311	139%
Wgat Cedar - All Plans	$389	174%
Pacific Health Alliance - All Plans	$453	202%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$531	237%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$535	239%
Aetna	$617	276%
UnitedHealthcare	$642	287%
Cigna	$700	313%
Medi-Cal	$823	368%
Medi-Cal Hmo - All Plans	$839	375%

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 $823.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 94640.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Natividad Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 94640.
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.