CMS Price Transparency Data

Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)

Facility: Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

Billing Code: 81001 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 81001
Insurance Median: $57
Cash Discount Price: $61
vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy) at Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center is $57. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $61. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.17, this hospital’s rate is 17.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$61

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$57

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3.17

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.17 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $61 (1924%)

Insurance Median: $57 (1798%)

Cash: $61 (1924% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $57 (1798% of 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 1798% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1698%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$26 - $53	820%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$29	915%
Aetna	$31 - $66	978%
Health Partners	$31 - $62	978%
Medicare (plans)	$31	978%
Ucare	$31 - $67	978%
UnitedHealthcare	$31 - $63	978%
Primewest	$32	1009%
Sanford Health Plan	$41 - $48	1293%
Security Health Plan	$42	1325%
Medica	$67 - $72	2114%
Cigna	$68	2145%
First Choice Health Network	$68	2145%
Healthez	$68	2145%
Multiplan	$68	2145%

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 $61.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 81001.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 81001.
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.