CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood antibody screen

Facility: UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital

Billing Code: 86850 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 86850
Insurance Median: $104
Cash Discount Price: $41
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.95x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood antibody screen at UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital is $104. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $41. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $53.24, this hospital’s rate is 1.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 409 Cottage Rd, Carthage, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$41

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$104

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$53.24

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $53.24 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $41 (77%)

Insurance Median: $104 (195%)

Cash: $41 (77% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $104 (195% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $53.24 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$56 - $104	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$100	188%
Cigna	$100 - $261	188%
UnitedHealthcare	$100	188%
Amerigroup Commercial [5055]	$104	195%
Black Lung [6055]	$104	195%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$104	195%
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$104	195%
Lucent Health [6000]	$104	195%
Parkland Community Health Plan [6015]	$104	195%
Web Tpa [2115]	$104 - $253	195%
Aetna	$253	475%
Mailhandlers [1595]	$253	475%
Group Pension Admin [1450]	$261	490%
Humana	$261	490%
Phcs [1780]	$261	490%
Tml [1980]	$261	490%

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 $41.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 86850.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 86850.
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.