CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (self-care training)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 97535 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97535
Insurance Median: $169
Cash Discount Price: $150
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (self-care training) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $169. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $150. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $32.4, this hospital’s rate is 5.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$150

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$169

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$32.4

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $32.4 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $150 (463%)

Insurance Median: $169 (522%)

Cash: $150 (463% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $169 (522% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $32.4 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 522% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 422%). 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	$92 - $188	284%
Ambetter / Centene	$92 - $188	284%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$92 - $188	284%
Champus	$92 - $100	284%
Champva	$92 - $100	284%
Health Partners	$92 - $188	284%
Humana	$92 - $188	284%
Iowa Health Advantage	$92 - $188	284%
Medicare (plans)	$92 - $188	284%
UnitedHealthcare	$92 - $188	284%
Wellcare	$92 - $188	284%
Wellpoint	$92 - $188	284%
American Postal Workers	$139 - $150	429%
Avera	$148 - $160	457%
Cigna	$157 - $169	485%
First Administrators	$169 - $182	522%
Golden Rule	$169 - $182	522%
Great West	$169 - $182	522%
Healthscope	$169 - $182	522%
Medical Associates	$169 - $182	522%
Meritain	$169 - $182	522%
Midlands Choice	$169 - $182	522%

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 $150.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 97535.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 97535.
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.