CMS Price Transparency Data

Breathing treatment (nebulizer)

Facility: Shriners Hospitals for Children

Billing Code: 94640 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 94640
Insurance Median: $2,652
Cash Discount Price: $152
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Breathing treatment (nebulizer) at Shriners Hospitals for Children is $2,652. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $152. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $223.72, this hospital’s rate is 11.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4400 Clayton Ave, Saint Louis, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$152

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,652

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$223.72

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $223.72 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $152 (68%)

Insurance Median: $2,652 (1185%)

Cash: $152 (68% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,652 (1185% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $223.72 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 1185% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1085%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$2,558	1143%
Missouri Care	$2,558	1143%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,652	1185%
UnitedHealthcare	$10,672	4770%

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 $152.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 94640.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Shriners Hospitals for Children is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 94640.
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.