Psychological testing by technician
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 96138 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 96138
- Insurance Median: $369
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.81x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $32 - $134 | 7% |
| Providrs Care | $42 | 9% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $129 - $1,033 | 28% |
| Aetna | $134 | 29% |
| Humana | $369 - $373 | 81% |
| Medicare (plans) | $369 - $376 | 81% |
| Va | $369 | 81% |
| Smarthealth | $517 | 113% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $627 | 137% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 96138, "Psychological testing by technician," the negotiated rates at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan range from $32 to $1,033 depending on the payer, with a median negotiated amount of $369. This facility is a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital located in Manhattan, Kansas (ZIP 66502). While the data does not provide a specific cash or median paid amount, it is important to note that cash-pay options can sometimes be more affordable for patients with high-deductible plans if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. Patients are encouraged to contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can significantly reduce the final bill by bypassing administrative fees and insurance processing costs.
When evaluating the cost of this service, it is crucial to compare rates against the Medicare benchmark rather than the hospital's full chargemaster list. The Medicare amount for this procedure is $456.40, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of delivery. Commercial negotiated rates often average between 200% and 300% of the Medicare rate, though fair pricing is typically defined as 120% to 150% of this benchmark. By focusing on the Medicare amount of $456.40, patients can better understand the markup and avoid being misled by large discounts calculated off inflated list prices. Always verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling to ensure you are aware of your potential out-of-pocket responsibility.