CMS Price Transparency Data

Diagnostic procedure preparation

Facility: CHI St Lukes Health Memorial San Augustine

Billing Code: G0279 (HCPCS)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: G0279
Insurance Median: $94
Cash Discount Price: $31
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.33x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Diagnostic procedure preparation at CHI St Lukes Health Memorial San Augustine is $94. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $31. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $40.41, this hospital’s rate is 2.33x the Medicare baseline. Located in 511 Hospital St, San Augustine, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$31

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$94

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$40.41

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $40.41 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $31 (77%)

Insurance Median: $94 (233%)

Cash: $31 (77% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $94 (233% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $40.41 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 233% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 133%). 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
United	$37 - $212	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$47 - $75	116%
Aetna	$51 - $53	126%
Superior	$60 - $94	148%
Wellpoint	$60 - $94	148%
Cigna	$61 - $105	151%
Tchp	$67	166%
PHCS	$139 - $170	344%
Humana	$143 - $148	354%
Multiplan	$143 - $148	354%
Galaxy	$184 - $191	455%
Entrust	$212 - $220	525%

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 $31.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify HCPCS Code matches exactly: G0279.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm CHI St Lukes Health Memorial San Augustine is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for HCPCS code G0279.
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.