CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $20
Cash Discount Price: $143
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.49x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at UPMC Altoona is $20. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $143. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 1.49x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$143

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$20

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: $143 (1068%)

Insurance Median: $20 (149%)

Cash: $143 (1068% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $20 (149% 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.

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 Work Partners	$13	97%
Aetna	$14 - $127	105%
Amerihealth Caritas	$14 - $22	105%
Cbhnp	$14	105%
Cigna	$14 - $120	105%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$14	105%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$14 - $21	105%
Pa Health & Wellness	$14 - $24	105%
UnitedHealthcare	$14 - $123	105%
Upmc Health Plan	$14 - $77	105%
Geisinger	$19 - $131	142%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$27	202%
Preferred Healthcare System	$120	896%
Private Health Care Systems	$191	1426%

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 $143.
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 UPMC Altoona 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.