CMS Price Transparency Data

Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy)

Facility: Charleston Area Medical Center

Billing Code: 81001 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 81001
Insurance Median: $110
Cash Discount Price: $134
vs. Medicare Baseline: 34.70x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Urinalysis (automated, with microscopy) at Charleston Area Medical Center is $110. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $134. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.17, this hospital’s rate is 34.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Morris Street, Charleston, WV.

Cash / Self-Pay

$134

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$110

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3.17

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.17 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $134 (4227%)

Insurance Median: $110 (3470%)

Cash: $134 (4227% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $110 (3470% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3.17 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 3470% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 3370%). 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
Aetna	$3 - $142	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3 - $132	95%
Choicecare Network	$3 - $142	95%
Optimum Choice Inc.	$3	95%
The Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$3 - $141	95%
Triwest Va	$3	95%
Unicare Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$3	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$3 - $142	95%
West Virginia Senior Advantage Inc.	$3	95%
Integrated Medical Solutions	$6	189%
Naphcare	$6	189%
Caresource	$8	252%
Tricare	$73 - $87	2303%
City Of Charleston	$92 - $109	2902%
Cigna	$113 - $135	3565%
Three Rivers Providers Network	$118 - $141	3722%
Healthsmart	$120 - $142	3785%
Multiplan	$120 - $142	3785%

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 $134.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 81001.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Charleston Area Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 81001.
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.