CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $142
Cash Discount Price: $228
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.60x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at Reading Hospital is $142. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $228. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 10.60x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$228

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$142

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.39

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.39 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $228 (1703%)

Insurance Median: $142 (1060%)

Cash: $228 (1703% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $142 (1060% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.39 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 1060% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 960%). 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
Amerihealth Caritas	$14	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14 - $109	105%
Upmc	$15 - $181	112%
UnitedHealthcare	$16 - $19	119%
Geisinger	$17 - $213	127%
Keystone First	$17	127%
Gateway	$18	134%
Health Partners	$18	134%
Pa Health & Wellness	$18	134%
Wernersville State Hospital	$18	134%
Aetna	$35 - $181	261%
Pma	$126 - $134	941%
Lehigh Valley Health Network	$142 - $151	1060%
Cigna	$181 - $192	1352%
First Health	$188 - $200	1404%
Berkshire	$237 - $252	1770%
Blue Ridge	$300 - $319	2240%

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 $228.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80061.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Reading Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 80061.
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.