CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 97530 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97530
Insurance Median: $182
Cash Discount Price: $150
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $182. 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 $35.07, this hospital’s rate is 5.19x 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

$182

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$35.07

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $35.07 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $150 (428%)

Insurance Median: $182 (519%)

Cash: $150 (428% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $182 (519% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $35.07 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 519% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 419%). 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	$100 - $188	285%
Ambetter / Centene	$100 - $188	285%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$100 - $188	285%
Champus	$100	285%
Champva	$100	285%
Health Partners	$100 - $188	285%
Humana	$100 - $188	285%
Iowa Health Advantage	$100 - $188	285%
Medicare (plans)	$100 - $188	285%
UnitedHealthcare	$100 - $188	285%
Wellcare	$100 - $188	285%
Wellpoint	$100 - $188	285%
American Postal Workers	$150	428%
Avera	$160	456%
Cigna	$169	482%
First Administrators	$182	519%
Golden Rule	$182	519%
Great West	$182	519%
Healthscope	$182	519%
Medical Associates	$182	519%
Meritain	$182	519%
Midlands Choice	$182	519%

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: 97530.

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 97530.
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.