CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: University of Colorado Hospital Authority

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $33
Cash Discount Price: $77
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.46x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at University of Colorado Hospital Authority is $33. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $77. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 2.46x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12605 E 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$77

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$33

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.39

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.39 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $77 (575%)

Insurance Median: $33 (246%)

Cash: $77 (575% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $33 (246% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.39 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 246% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 146%). 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	$13 - $66	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13 - $227	97%
Cigna	$13 - $32	97%
Cms	$13	97%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$13 - $205	97%
Devoted Health	$13	97%
Humana	$13	97%
Kaiser	$13 - $227	97%
Select Health	$13 - $36	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$13 - $33	97%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$18 - $197	134%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$19 - $142	142%
Kaiser Public Option	$21 - $151	157%
Phcs	$30 - $212	224%
Multiplan	$33 - $232	246%
First Health	$38 - $270	284%
Midlands Choice	$38 - $270	284%

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 $77.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80061.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Colorado Hospital Authority is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 80061.
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.