CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities)

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 97530 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97530
Insurance Median: $41
Cash Discount Price: $50
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $41. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $50. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $35.07, this hospital’s rate is 1.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$50

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$41

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$35.07

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $35.07 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $50 (143%)

Insurance Median: $41 (117%)

Cash: $50 (143% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $41 (117% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $35.07 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	$18 - $34	51%
Cigna	$34 - $46	97%
Humana	$34 - $66	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$35 - $41	100%
Devoted Health	$35	100%
Gateway	$35	100%
Longevity Healthcare	$35	100%
Wellcare	$35	100%
Liberty Advantage	$36	103%
Troy	$36	103%
Medcost	$42 - $57	120%
Directnet	$50	143%
Aetna	$51	145%
Prime Health Service	$62	177%
Multiplan	$71	202%
Caresource North Carolina	$76	217%
Mdsave	$84	240%

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 $50.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 97530.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Catawba Valley Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 97530.
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.