CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood antibody screen

Facility: Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Billing Code: 86850 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 86850
Insurance Median: $21
Cash Discount Price: $111
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.39x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood antibody screen at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside is $21. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $111. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $53.24, this hospital’s rate is 0.39x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 Frist Court, Columbus, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$111

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$21

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$53.24

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $53.24 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $111 (208%)

Insurance Median: $21 (39%)

Cash: $111 (208% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $21 (39% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $53.24 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$8 - $10	15%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $13	17%
UnitedHealthcare	$9	17%
Cigna	$15 - $21	28%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$28	53%
Kaiser [10500]	$249	468%
Phcs [10601]	$260	488%
Novanet [10819]	$279	524%
Aetna	$295	554%
First Health [10303]	$297	558%
Multiplan [10600]	$316	594%

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 $111.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 86850.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 86850.
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.