CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood antibody screen

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 86850 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 86850
Insurance Median: $75
Cash Discount Price: $99
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood antibody screen at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $75. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $99. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $53.24, this hospital’s rate is 1.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$99

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$75

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: $99 (186%)

Insurance Median: $75 (141%)

Cash: $99 (186% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $75 (141% 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
Aetna	$19 - $97	36%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$25 - $213	47%
Healthlink [125]	$58 - $106	109%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$74 - $192	139%
Beechstreet [176]	$93 - $170	175%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$93 - $213	175%
First Health Plan [6034]	$95 - $175	178%
UnitedHealthcare	$116 - $213	218%

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 $99.
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 Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital 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.