CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, PSA (prostate screen)

Facility: Ascension St Vincent Mercy

Billing Code: 84153 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84153
Insurance Median: $13
Cash Discount Price: $180
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, PSA (prostate screen) at Ascension St Vincent Mercy is $13. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $180. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $18.39, this hospital’s rate is 0.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1331 S A St, Elwood, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$180

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$13

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$18.39

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $18.39 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $180 (979%)

Insurance Median: $13 (71%)

Cash: $180 (979% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $13 (71% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $18.39 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.

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
Smarthealth Ppo	$7 - $20	38%
Smarthealth Ppo/Hdhp 20161001	$7 - $20	38%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $24	54%
Encore Exclusive	$10	54%
Patoka Valley Tier 1	$10	54%
Patoka Valley Tier 2	$10	54%
UnitedHealthcare	$15	82%
Medicaid / KanCare	$18	98%
Mhs Care Connect	$18	98%
Humana	$42	228%

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 $180.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84153.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Ascension St Vincent Mercy is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84153.
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.