CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, lipase

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 83690 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83690
Insurance Median: $7
Cash Discount Price: $93
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.02x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, lipase at UPMC Altoona is $7. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $93. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.89, this hospital’s rate is 1.02x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$93

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6.89

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6.89 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $93 (1350%)

Insurance Median: $7 (102%)

Cash: $93 (1350% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $7 (102% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.89 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	$5 - $82	73%
Cbhnp	$5	73%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$5	73%
UnitedHealthcare	$5 - $79	73%
Upmc Health Plan	$6 - $48	87%
Amerihealth Caritas	$7 - $8	102%
Cigna	$7 - $78	102%
Geisinger	$7 - $85	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$7	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$7 - $9	102%
Upmc Work Partners	$7	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13	189%
Preferred Healthcare System	$78	1132%
Private Health Care Systems	$124	1800%

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 $93.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83690.

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 83690.
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.