CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, clotting time (PTT)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 85730 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85730
Insurance Median: $19
Cash Discount Price: $83
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, clotting time (PTT) at UPMC Altoona is $19. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $83. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.01, this hospital’s rate is 3.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$83

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$19

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6.01

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6.01 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $83 (1381%)

Insurance Median: $19 (316%)

Cash: $83 (1381% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $19 (316% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.01 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 316% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 216%). 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	$6 - $12	100%
Cigna	$6 - $71	100%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$6 - $11	100%
Pa Health & Wellness	$6 - $13	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$6 - $73	100%
Upmc Health Plan	$6 - $28	100%
Upmc Work Partners	$6	100%
Aetna	$8 - $75	133%
Cbhnp	$8	133%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$8	133%
Geisinger	$10 - $78	166%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$12	200%
Preferred Healthcare System	$68 - $71	1131%
Private Health Care Systems	$108 - $114	1797%

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 $83.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 85730.

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 85730.
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.