CMS Price Transparency Data

Psychotherapy session (45 minutes)

Facility: North Shore Medical Center -

Billing Code: 90834 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 90834
Insurance Median: $245
Cash Discount Price: $295
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.35x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Psychotherapy session (45 minutes) at North Shore Medical Center - is $245. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $295. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $181.34, this hospital’s rate is 1.35x the Medicare baseline. Located in 81 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$295

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$245

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$181.34

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $181.34 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $295 (163%)

Insurance Median: $245 (135%)

Cash: $295 (163% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $245 (135% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $181.34 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
Harvard Pilgrim [120001]	$223 - $234	123%
Aetna	$225 - $234	124%
Harvard Pilgrim Alternate [120002]	$245	135%
UnitedHealthcare	$303 - $315	167%
Tricare	$367 - $381	202%

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 $295.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 90834.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm North Shore Medical Center - is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 90834.
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.