CMS Price Transparency Data

Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities)

Facility: UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital

Billing Code: 97530 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 97530
Insurance Median: $81
Cash Discount Price: $27
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Occupational therapy (therapeutic activities) at UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital is $81. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $27. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $35.07, this hospital’s rate is 2.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 South Palestine St, Athens, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$27

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$81

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$35.07

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $35.07 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $27 (77%)

Insurance Median: $81 (231%)

Cash: $27 (77% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $81 (231% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $35.07 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 231% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 131%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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	$23 - $81	66%
Amerigroup Commercial [5055]	$66	188%
Black Lung [6055]	$66	188%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$66	188%
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$66	188%
Lucent Health [6000]	$66	188%
Web Tpa [2115]	$66 - $166	188%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$81	231%
Cigna	$81 - $148	231%
Parkland Community Health Plan [6015]	$81	231%
UnitedHealthcare	$81	231%
Andrews Center Behavioral Health [3950]	$132	376%
Healthfirst [2395]	$132	376%
Aetna	$166	473%
Mailhandlers [1595]	$166	473%

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 $27.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 97530.

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 97530.
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.