CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood antibody screen

Facility: UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital

Billing Code: 86850 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 86850
Insurance Median: $60
Cash Discount Price: $20
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood antibody screen at UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital is $60. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $20. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $53.24, this hospital’s rate is 1.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 South Palestine St, Athens, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$20

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$60

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: $20 (38%)

Insurance Median: $60 (113%)

Cash: $20 (38% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $60 (113% 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	$17 - $60	32%
Amerigroup Commercial [5055]	$49	92%
Black Lung [6055]	$49	92%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$49	92%
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$49	92%
Lucent Health [6000]	$49	92%
Web Tpa [2115]	$49 - $124	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$60	113%
Cigna	$60 - $126	113%
Parkland Community Health Plan [6015]	$60	113%
UnitedHealthcare	$60	113%
Aetna	$124	233%
Mailhandlers [1595]	$124	233%
Group Pension Admin [1450]	$126	237%
Humana	$126	237%
Phcs [1780]	$126	237%
Tml [1980]	$126	237%

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 $20.
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 Athens 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.