Psychological testing by technician
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $104 | 23% |
| Medicare (plans) | $369 - $376 | 81% |
| Va | $369 | 81% |
| Humana | $369 | 81% |
| Vc Hope | $369 | 81% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $376 | 82% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $376 - $1,033 | 82% |
| Smarthealth | $517 | 113% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $627 | 137% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 96138, "Psychological testing by technician," the facility in Wichita, KS, has a median negotiated rate of $373.00, which aligns closely with the state average for this service. While commercial payers like UnitedHealthcare and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated rates ranging up to $1,033, Medicare and Medicaid plans pay significantly lower amounts, with the Medicare benchmark set at $456.40. This disparity highlights that commercial negotiated rates can sometimes exceed the federal baseline, meaning patients with high-deductible plans might find it financially advantageous to pay the cash price directly, provided the facility offers a self-pay discount. It is crucial to verify the facility's specific "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" rates before scheduling, as paying upfront can often bypass the administrative overhead embedded in insurance contracts and result in a lower out-of-pocket cost.
To ensure you are not overpaying, it is recommended to request a full itemized billing audit rather than accepting a summary bill, as hospitals often obscure individual charges under broad categories. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, a line-by-line review is the most effective way to identify and correct mistakes before payment. Additionally, when evaluating the cost, focus on the Medicare benchmark of $456.40 as the true cost baseline rather than comparing it to the inflated chargemaster list price. If you encounter a balance bill or a discrepancy between your insurance allowed amount and the facility's charge, you should dispute the bill in writing with the billing supervisor rather than settling verbally, ensuring you receive the fair pricing protections intended by