CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: The University of Chicago Medical Center

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $36
Cash Discount Price: $297
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at The University of Chicago Medical Center is $36. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $297. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 2.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5841 South Maryland, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$297

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$36

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: $297 (2218%)

Insurance Median: $36 (269%)

Cash: $297 (2218% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $36 (269% 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 269% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 169%). 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	$13 - $31	97%
Oscar	$15	112%
Ambetter / Centene	$19	142%
Cigna	$41 - $137	306%
UnitedHealthcare	$47	351%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$95	709%

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 $297.
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 The University of Chicago Medical Center 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.