CMS Price Transparency Data

Colonoscopy (diagnostic)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 45378 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 45378
Insurance Median: $939
Cash Discount Price: $1,500
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Colonoscopy (diagnostic) at UPMC Altoona is $939. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,500. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $950.1, this hospital’s rate is 0.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,500

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$939

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$950.1

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $950.1 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,500 (158%)

Insurance Median: $939 (99%)

Cash: $1,500 (158% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $939 (99% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $950.1 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	$180 - $1,325	19%
UnitedHealthcare	$190 - $1,282	20%
Upmc Health Plan	$199 - $2,523	21%
Geisinger	$251 - $1,375	26%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$268 - $939	28%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$272	29%
Amerihealth Caritas	$282 - $939	30%
Pa Health & Wellness	$308 - $939	32%
Upmc Work Partners	$729	77%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$730	77%
Cigna	$939 - $1,250	99%
Preferred Healthcare System	$1,250	132%
Private Health Care Systems	$2,000	211%

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 $1,500.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 45378.

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 45378.
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.