CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood antibody screen

Facility: Massachusetts General Hospital

Billing Code: 86850 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 86850
Insurance Median: $114
Cash Discount Price: $141
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood antibody screen at Massachusetts General Hospital is $114. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $141. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $53.24, this hospital’s rate is 2.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$141

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$114

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$53.24

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $53.24 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $141 (265%)

Insurance Median: $114 (214%)

Cash: $141 (265% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $114 (214% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $53.24 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 214% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 114%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Mgb Health Plan [150001]	$58 - $72	109%
Champva [160001]	$60	113%
Tricare	$60	113%
Tufts Health Plan [170001]	$60	113%
Tufts Health Public Plans [1013]	$62	116%
UnitedHealthcare	$62 - $154	116%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$63 - $98	118%
Humana	$63	118%
Aetna	$65 - $151	122%
Centers Of Excellence [1026]	$79 - $135	148%
Cigna	$100 - $149	188%
International Commercial [140001]	$122 - $154	229%
Wellpoint [1015]	$139	261%
Health New England [1034]	$145	272%
Phcs Multiplan [1022]	$145	272%

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 $141.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 86850.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Massachusetts General Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 86850.
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.