CMS Price Transparency Data

Psychotherapy session (45 minutes)

Facility: Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital

Billing Code: 90834 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 90834
Insurance Median: $297
Cash Discount Price: $353
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.64x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Psychotherapy session (45 minutes) at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital is $297. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $353. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $181.34, this hospital’s rate is 1.64x the Medicare baseline. Located in 7850 Vista Hill Avenue, San Diego, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$353

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$297

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$181.34

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $181.34 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $353 (195%)

Insurance Median: $297 (164%)

Cash: $353 (195% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $297 (164% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $181.34 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare	$71 - $363	39%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$140 - $330	77%
Molina	$140 - $377	77%
Humana	$160	88%
Indian Health Council	$198	109%
Aetna	$226 - $377	125%
Health Net	$226 - $725	125%
Cigna	$234 - $353	129%
Community Health Group	$236	130%
Kaiser	$266	147%
Interplan	$297 - $312	164%
Medicare (plans)	$312	172%
County Medical Services	$316 - $377	174%
Blue Shield	$330 - $353	182%
Managed Health Network	$330	182%
Epic Americas	$353	195%
Medi-Cal	$353	195%
Allianz Global Assistance	$377	208%
San Diego Pace	$386	213%

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 $353.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 90834.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 90834.
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.