CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: Caromont Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $22
Cash Discount Price: $159
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.64x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at Caromont Regional Medical Center is $22. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $159. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 1.64x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$159

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$22

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.39

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.39 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $159 (1187%)

Insurance Median: $22 (164%)

Cash: $159 (1187% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $22 (164% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.39 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
UnitedHealthcare	$8 - $26	60%
Avalon	$9	67%
Humana	$9 - $140	67%
Absolute Total Care	$11	82%
Molina	$11 - $14	82%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13 - $53	97%
Healthteam	$13	97%
Aetna	$14 - $59	105%
Devoted Health	$14	105%
Longevity Health	$14	105%
Corporate Benefits Service	$15	112%
Alliance Behavioral Health	$22	164%
Amerihealth Caritas	$22	164%
Carolina Complete Health	$22	164%
Carolina Complete Health Tailored Plans	$22	164%
Partners Behavioral Health	$22	164%
Vaya Behavioral Health	$22	164%
Wellcare	$22	164%
Surgery Plus	$23	172%
Cigna	$25 - $41	187%
Carolina Caring	$33 - $126	246%
Gaston County Jail	$44	329%
Medcost	$61	456%
Beech Street	$130	971%
Multiplan	$130	971%
Self Pay	$143	1068%
First Health Network	$151	1128%

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 $159.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80061.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Caromont Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 80061.
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.