CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities)

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 97530 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97530
Insurance Median: $82
Cash Discount Price: $127
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities) at UPMC Mercy is $82. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $127. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $35.07, this hospital’s rate is 2.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$127

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$82

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$35.07

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $35.07 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $127 (362%)

Insurance Median: $82 (234%)

Cash: $127 (362% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $82 (234% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $35.07 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 234% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 134%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$14 - $72	40%
UnitedHealthcare	$15	43%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$19 - $106	54%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20 - $42	57%
Amerihealth Caritas	$21	60%
Pa Health & Wellness	$22	63%
Aetna	$53 - $84	151%
Upmc Work Partners	$63	180%
Cigna	$72 - $127	205%
Bravo	$74	211%
Coventry/First Health	$93	265%
Intergroup	$106 - $169	302%
Private Health Care Systems	$158	451%
American Healthcare Group	$169	482%
National Provider Network	$173	493%
Health Payors Organization	$190	542%
Multiplan	$190	542%

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 $127.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 97530.

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 97530.
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.