CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, glucose (blood sugar)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 82947 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82947
Insurance Median: $6
Cash Discount Price: $47
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.53x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, glucose (blood sugar) at UPMC Altoona is $6. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $47. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.93, this hospital’s rate is 1.53x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$47

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3.93

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.93 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $47 (1196%)

Insurance Median: $6 (153%)

Cash: $47 (1196% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $6 (153% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3.93 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
Aetna	$4 - $41	102%
Amerihealth Caritas	$4 - $6	102%
Cbhnp	$4	102%
Cigna	$4 - $39	102%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$4	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$4 - $6	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$4 - $7	102%
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $40	102%
Upmc Health Plan	$4 - $33	102%
Upmc Work Partners	$4	102%
Geisinger	$6 - $43	153%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8	204%
Preferred Healthcare System	$39	992%
Private Health Care Systems	$62	1578%

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 $47.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82947.

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 82947.
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.