CMS Price Transparency Data

Diagnostic procedure preparation

Facility: Medstar Union Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: G0279 (HCPCS)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: G0279
Insurance Median: $346
Cash Discount Price: $339
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.56x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Diagnostic procedure preparation at Medstar Union Memorial Hospital is $346. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $339. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $40.41, this hospital’s rate is 8.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 201 East University Parkway, Baltimore, MD.

Cash / Self-Pay

$339

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$346

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: $339 (839%)

Insurance Median: $346 (856%)

Cash: $339 (839% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $346 (856% 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 856% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 756%). 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
Magellan Behavioral Health Inc	$346	856%
Humana	$346	856%
Mamsi	$346	856%
Carefirst Advantage Inc	$346	856%
Aetna	$346	856%
United Behavioral Health Inc	$346	856%
Hscsn	$346	856%
Kaiser Permanente	$346	856%
UnitedHealthcare	$346	856%
Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)	$346	856%
Medstar Family Choice	$346	856%
Tricare	$346	856%
First Health	$346	856%
Amerigroup	$346	856%
Carefirst Blue Choice Inc	$346	856%
Medstar Family Choice Inc	$346	856%
Pfc	$346	856%
Cigna	$346	856%
Ncppo Healthlink PPO	$346	856%
Amerihealth Caritas District of Columbia	$346	856%

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 $339.
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 Medstar Union Memorial Hospital 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.