CMS Price Transparency Data

Diagnostic procedure preparation

Facility: Mid-Columbia Medical Center

Billing Code: G0279 (HCPCS)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: G0279
Insurance Median: $30
Cash Discount Price: $43
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Diagnostic procedure preparation at Mid-Columbia Medical Center is $30. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $43. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $40.41, this hospital’s rate is 0.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1700 E 19Th Street, The Dalles, OR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$43

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$30

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$40.41

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $40.41 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $43 (106%)

Insurance Median: $30 (74%)

Cash: $43 (106% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $30 (74% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $40.41 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$27 - $55	67%
Community Hp McR Adv - All Plans	$27	67%
Molina McR Adv	$27	67%
Tricare	$27	67%
VA Ccn Triwest - All Plans	$27	67%
Healthnet McR Adv	$28	69%
Humana	$28	69%
Moda McR Adv	$28	69%
Devoted McR Adv - All Plans	$30	74%
Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$30	74%
Molina - All Other Plans	$30	74%
Healthnet - All Other Plans	$41	101%
Molina McAid	$47	116%
Coventry - All Plans	$53	131%
First Choice - All Plans	$54	134%
Providence PPO - All Plans	$58	144%
Moda Health Plan - All Other Plans	$59	146%
Multiplan/Phcs - All Plans	$68	168%
Aetna	$74	183%
Amerigroup McAid - All Plans	$90	223%
Coordinated Care McAid - All Plans	$90	223%

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 $43.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify HCPCS Code matches exactly: G0279.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Mid-Columbia Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for HCPCS code G0279.
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.