CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 97530 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97530
Insurance Median: $140
Cash Discount Price: $169
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $140. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $169. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $35.07, this hospital’s rate is 3.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$169

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$140

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: $169 (482%)

Insurance Median: $140 (399%)

Cash: $169 (482% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $140 (399% 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 399% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 299%). 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
Curaechoice [6100]	$42 - $56	120%
Aetna	$47 - $241	134%
Cigna	$56 - $241	160%
Imagine Health [6032]	$65	185%
Humana	$96 - $120	274%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$104 - $140	297%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$108 - $241	308%
Healthlink [125]	$120 - $241	342%
Medpartners [6038]	$126 - $169	359%
UnitedHealthcare	$140 - $241	399%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$157 - $205	448%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$193 - $241	550%
First Health Plan [6034]	$241	687%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$241	687%

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 $169.
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 Northwestern Memorial Hospital 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.