CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, lipase

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 83690 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83690
Insurance Median: $74
Cash Discount Price: $130
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, lipase at UPMC Mercy is $74. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $130. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.89, this hospital’s rate is 10.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$130

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$74

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6.89

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6.89 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $130 (1887%)

Insurance Median: $74 (1074%)

Cash: $130 (1887% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $74 (1074% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.89 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1074% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 974%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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	$6	87%
Upmc Health Plan	$6 - $44	87%
Aetna	$7 - $87	102%
Amerihealth Caritas	$7 - $8	102%
Geisinger	$7	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$7	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$7 - $9	102%
Upmc Work Partners	$7	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13 - $42	189%
Cigna	$74 - $130	1074%
Bravo	$76	1103%
Coventry/First Health	$95	1379%
Intergroup	$108 - $174	1567%
Private Health Care Systems	$163	2366%
American Healthcare Group	$174	2525%
National Provider Network	$178	2583%
Health Payors Organization	$195	2830%
Multiplan	$195	2830%

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 $130.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83690.

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 83690.
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.