CMS Price Transparency Data

Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 81001 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 81001
Insurance Median: $58
Cash Discount Price: $67
vs. Medicare Baseline: 18.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy) at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $58. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $67. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.17, this hospital’s rate is 18.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$67

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$58

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3.17

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.17 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $67 (2114%)

Insurance Median: $58 (1830%)

Cash: $67 (2114% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $58 (1830% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3.17 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 1830% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1730%). 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	$3 - $58	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3 - $46	95%
Healthpartners	$3 - $82	95%
Iowa Total Care	$3	95%
Molina Healthcare	$3	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$3 - $41	95%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$3	95%
Immergrun	$24	757%
Medical Associates	$36 - $48	1136%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$48 - $72	1514%
Midlands Choice	$50 - $62	1577%
Oscar Health	$60	1893%
Great River Health Systems	$62 - $67	1956%
Aplos Health Plan	$77	2429%
Sedgwick	$77	2429%
Global Excel	$82	2587%
Sanford Health Plan	$82	2587%
Sisco	$84	2650%
Employee Benefit Systems	$86	2713%
Healthsmart	$86	2713%
Hfn	$88	2776%
Multiplan	$88	2776%

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 $67.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 81001.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 81001.
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.