CMS Price Transparency Data

Group therapy session

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 90853 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 90853
Insurance Median: $98
Cash Discount Price: $172
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Group therapy session at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $98. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $172. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $103.79, this hospital’s rate is 0.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$172

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$98

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$103.79

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $103.79 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $172 (166%)

Insurance Median: $98 (94%)

Cash: $172 (166% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $98 (94% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $103.79 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	$20 - $208	19%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$25 - $457	24%
Cigna	$25 - $222	24%
UnitedHealthcare	$56 - $457	54%
Healthlink [125]	$59 - $228	57%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$75 - $411	72%
The Alliance [1703]	$76 - $294	73%
Beechstreet [176]	$94 - $366	91%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$94 - $457	91%
First Health Plan [6034]	$97 - $375	93%

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 $172.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 90853.

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 90853.
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.