Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)
Facility: Norton County Hospital
Billing Code: 81001 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 81001
- Insurance Median: $14
- Cash Discount Price: $71
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.42x 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 $3.17 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 442% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 342%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $14 | 442% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 81001, "Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)," Norton County Hospital in Norton, KS, lists a cash median price of $71.00. This cash rate is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $102.00 and the state of Kansas average, which is 4.4 times the Medicare amount of $3.17. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly more cost-effective if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds this cash price. It is important to note that the median paid amount is not available in the current data, so patients should verify their specific insurance coverage before scheduling.
Although Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only payer listed with a negotiated rate of $14.00, this figure represents the amount the insurer pays, not necessarily what the patient owes. Patients should be aware that hospitals often offer prompt-pay discounts, typically ranging from 20% to 50%, for those who settle bills in full upfront, which can further reduce the final cost. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, request self-pay or prompt-pay pricing before check-in and avoid automatic claims submission if you intend to pay out-of-pocket. Additionally, always demand a full itemized bill before paying to identify any errors, as over 80% of hospital bills contain mistakes that can be corrected through a formal written audit dispute.