CMS Price Transparency Data

Upper endoscopy with biopsy

Facility: Samaritan Medical Center

Billing Code: 43239 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 43239
Insurance Median: $1,132
Cash Discount Price: $930
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Upper endoscopy with biopsy at Samaritan Medical Center is $1,132. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $930. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $926.63, this hospital’s rate is 1.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$930

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,132

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$926.63

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $926.63 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $930 (100%)

Insurance Median: $1,132 (122%)

Cash: $930 (100% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,132 (122% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $926.63 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
Empire	$113	12%
Fidelis	$119 - $1,302	13%
Wellcare	$119 - $1,132	13%
Excellus	$185 - $5,197	20%
Capital District Physician'S Health Plan, Inc (Cdphp)	$744 - $1,715	80%
Aetna	$1,155 - $3,978	125%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,166	126%
Mvp	$1,189	128%

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 $930.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 43239.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Samaritan Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 43239.
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.