CMS Price Transparency Data

Upper endoscopy with biopsy

Facility: Houlton Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 43239 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 43239
Insurance Median: $479
Cash Discount Price: $893
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Upper endoscopy with biopsy at Houlton Regional Hospital is $479. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $893. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $926.63, this hospital’s rate is 0.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 20 Hartford Street, Houlton, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$893

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$479

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$926.63

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $926.63 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $893 (96%)

Insurance Median: $479 (52%)

Cash: $893 (96% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $479 (52% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $926.63 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
Tricare	$392	42%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$436 - $792	47%
Wellcare	$452	49%
Aetna	$456	49%
Martins_Point	$479	52%
Community_Health	$827	89%
Cigna	$855	92%
United	$893	96%

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 $893.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 43239.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Houlton Regional Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 43239.
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.