CMS Price Transparency Data

Breathing treatment (nebulizer)

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 94640 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 94640
Insurance Median: $267
Cash Discount Price: $385
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Breathing treatment (nebulizer) at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $267. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $385. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $223.72, this hospital’s rate is 1.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$385

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$267

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$223.72

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $223.72 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $385 (172%)

Insurance Median: $267 (119%)

Cash: $385 (172% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $267 (119% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $223.72 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	$91 - $250	41%
Cigna	$116 - $267	52%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$117 - $550	52%
Healthlink [125]	$275	123%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$351 - $495	157%
The Alliance [1703]	$353	158%
Beechstreet [176]	$440	197%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$440 - $550	197%
First Health Plan [6034]	$451	202%
UnitedHealthcare	$550	246%

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 $385.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 94640.

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 94640.
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.