CPT 96116 Diagnostic

How Much Does Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour Cost?

Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour (CPT 96116) costs $124 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $221.

Cost Comparison by Payer

How much Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour costs across different settings and payers

Medicare
Facility rate
$124
Hospital Outpatient
OPPS rate
$221
Medicare (Facility)
$124
CMS PFS 2026 national rate
Medicare (Office/Clinic)
$164
Non-facility setting
Hospital Outpatient
$221
OPPS rate

Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour Cost by Location

Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities

Location Medicare Rate Est. Commercial
AK — ALASKA $103 $165 — $254
AL — ALABAMA $71 $117 — $180
AR — ARKANSAS $70 $116 — $179
AZ — ARIZONA $72 $121 — $187
CA — BAKERSFIELD $74 $127 — $196
CA — CHICO $73 $127 — $195
CA — EL CENTRO $73 $127 — $195
CA — FRESNO $73 $127 — $195
CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN $73 $127 — $195
CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) $76 $133 — $204
CA — MADERA $73 $127 — $195
CA — MERCED $73 $127 — $195
CA — MODESTO $73 $127 — $195
CA — NAPA $78 $139 — $214
CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA $75 $132 — $202
CA — REDDING $73 $127 — $195
CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA $73 $127 — $195
CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO $74 $128 — $197
CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM $75 $131 — $202
CA — SALINAS $75 $131 — $201
CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD $75 $132 — $203
CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) $81 $145 — $224
CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) $81 $145 — $224
CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) $82 $148 — $228
CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) $82 $148 — $227

How to Reduce Your Cost for Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour

Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars

  • 1
    Ask about cash-pay discounts

    Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.

  • 2
    Compare facility vs. office setting costs

    For this procedure, the office rate ($164) differs from the facility rate ($124). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.

  • 3
    Shop around — costs vary significantly

    Medicare rates for this procedure range from $70 to $103 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.

How is the Price Calculated?

Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.

2.80
Work RVU
0.92
Practice Expense RVU
0.12
Malpractice RVU

Payment = Total RVU () x CF ($33.40) = N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour is $124. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $221. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.

Does insurance cover Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Neurobehavioral status examination, first hour when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.

Why does the cost vary so much by location?

Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.

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