Psychological testing by technician
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.
Billing Code: 96138 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 96138
- Insurance Median: $373
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.82x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $456.4 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $369 | 81% |
| Medicare (plans) | $369 - $376 | 81% |
| Saint Lukes Health Systems | $369 | 81% |
| Va | $369 | 81% |
| Vc Hope | $369 | 81% |
| Via Christi Research | $369 | 81% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $376 - $1,033 | 82% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $376 | 82% |
| Corizon | $461 | 101% |
| Smarthealth | $517 | 113% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $627 | 137% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 96138, "Psychological testing by technician," the facility Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc. has a negotiated rate range of $369 to $1,033 across 11 payers, with a median negotiated payment of $373.00. This rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $456.40, which serves as the objective baseline for fair pricing in this region. While commercial rates often exceed Medicare benchmarks due to administrative costs and contract dynamics, patients should be aware that cash-pay options may offer lower out-of-pocket costs if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% when paid in full upfront.
The data indicates that while most payers have a single fixed rate of $369, UnitedHealthcare has a wider range from $376 to $1,033, reflecting different contract terms. Since this service is provided at an in-network facility, the No Surprises Act generally protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network providers, though patients should still review their itemized bills to ensure no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included. If a discrepancy arises, patients should request a formal written audit dispute rather than accepting summary bills or settling verbally. Understanding that Medicare rates represent the true cost of delivery helps patients evaluate whether the commercial rates charged are reasonable or if further negotiation with the billing department is warranted.