CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (self-care training)

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health

Billing Code: 97535 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97535
Insurance Median: $77
Cash Discount Price: $82
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (self-care training) at Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is $77. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $82. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $32.4, this hospital’s rate is 2.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$82

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$77

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$32.4

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $32.4 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $82 (253%)

Insurance Median: $77 (238%)

Cash: $82 (253% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $77 (238% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $32.4 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 238% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 138%). 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
Molina	$13	40%
Aetna	$31 - $119	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$31 - $95	96%
Cigna	$31 - $131	96%
Humana	$31 - $134	96%
UnitedHealthcare	$32 - $83	99%
Alliance	$36 - $43	111%
Amerihealth Caritas	$36	111%
Carolina Complete Health	$36 - $163	111%
Healthy Blue	$36	111%
Partners	$36	111%
Sandhills	$36	111%
Wellcare	$36	111%
Trillium	$37 - $38	114%
Vaya	$37	114%
Ortho Carolina	$38	117%
Ambetter / Centene	$47 - $77	145%
Medcost	$51 - $96	157%
Employers Health Network	$72	222%
Physician Reach Out	$82	253%
Magellan	$98	302%
Gmmi	$106	327%
Quik Trip	$106	327%
Carolina Behavioral Health	$118 - $131	364%
Choicecare	$118 - $121	364%
First Health	$131 - $144	404%
Healthgram	$131	404%
Private Health Care Systems	$131 - $134	404%
Provider Select	$132 - $147	407%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care	$134	414%
Beechstreet	$142 - $144	438%
Multiplan	$147	454%

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 $82.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 97535.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 97535.
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.