CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood antibody screen

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 86850 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 86850
Insurance Median: $24
Cash Discount Price: $40
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.45x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood antibody screen at UPMC Mercy is $24. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $40. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $53.24, this hospital’s rate is 0.45x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$40

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$24

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$53.24

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $53.24 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $40 (75%)

Insurance Median: $24 (45%)

Cash: $40 (75% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $24 (45% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $53.24 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
Upmc Health Plan	$8 - $43	15%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $29	17%
Aetna	$10 - $26	19%
Geisinger	$10	19%
UnitedHealthcare	$10	19%
Upmc Work Partners	$10	19%
Amerihealth Caritas	$11 - $13	21%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$11 - $13	21%
Pa Health & Wellness	$11 - $14	21%
Cigna	$22 - $40	41%
Bravo	$23	43%
Coventry/First Health	$29	54%
Intergroup	$33 - $53	62%
Private Health Care Systems	$50	94%
American Healthcare Group	$53	100%
National Provider Network	$54	101%
Health Payors Organization	$59	111%
Multiplan	$59	111%

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 $40.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 86850.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Mercy is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 86850.
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.