CMS Price Transparency Data

Psychotherapy session (45 minutes)

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 90834 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 90834
Insurance Median: $150
Cash Discount Price: $95
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.83x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Psychotherapy session (45 minutes) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $150. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $95. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $181.34, this hospital’s rate is 0.83x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$95

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$150

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$181.34

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $181.34 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $95 (52%)

Insurance Median: $150 (83%)

Cash: $95 (52% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $150 (83% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $181.34 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	$78 - $79	43%
Medcost	$79 - $108	44%
Cigna	$87 - $148	48%
Directnet	$95	52%
Aetna	$96	53%
Prime Health Service	$119	66%
Humana	$126 - $151	69%
Multiplan	$134	74%
Wellcare	$152	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$155 - $1,192	85%
Devoted Health	$155	85%
Gateway	$155	85%
Longevity Healthcare	$155	85%
Liberty Advantage	$157	87%
Troy	$157	87%
Caresource North Carolina	$332	183%

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 $95.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 90834.

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 90834.
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.