CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: Sterling Regional Medcenter

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $46
Cash Discount Price: $25
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at Sterling Regional Medcenter is $46. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $25. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 3.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 615 Fairhurst St, Sterling, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$25

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$46

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: $25 (187%)

Insurance Median: $46 (344%)

Cash: $25 (187% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $46 (344% 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 344% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 244%). 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
Clear Spring Health	$13	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$13 - $97	97%
Aetna	$14 - $95	105%
Humana	$14	105%
Longevity	$14	105%
Banner Health	$15 - $32	112%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$15 - $127	112%
Devoted Health Services	$15	112%
Healthspring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc.	$15 - $32	112%
Medica	$15 - $85	112%
Medicare (plans)	$15 - $32	112%
Assist Health Group	$18 - $38	134%
Pinnacol Assurance Workers Comp	$21 - $50	157%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$30 - $62	224%
Apostrophe, Inc.	$44 - $92	329%
First Choice Health Network	$44 - $92	329%
First Choice Of The Midwest	$47 - $97	351%
Hue Health, Inc	$47 - $97	351%
Rocky Mountain Health Plans	$47 - $97	351%
Multiplan	$48 - $99	358%

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 $25.
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 Sterling Regional Medcenter 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.