How Much Does Blood Glucose (sugar) Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens Cost?
Also known as: Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens (CPT 82951)
Glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational or regular diabetes.
Blood Glucose (sugar) Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens (CPT 82951) costs $13 at Medicare rates.
The rates shown below represent the complete Medicare reimbursement for this service. No separate facility fee applies for this type of procedure.
Patient Guide: Blood Glucose (sugar) Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You drink a sugary solution, then blood is drawn at timed intervals (1, 2, and sometimes 3 hours) to see how your body processes sugar.
How Long Does It Take?
1-3 hours
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Gestational diabetes screening in pregnancy, diabetes diagnosis, pre-diabetes evaluation
How to Prepare
Fast for 8-12 hours before. Sit quietly during the test. You may feel nauseated from the sugary drink.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens
How to Reduce Your Cost for Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens
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
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens is $13. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens 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 Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test, 3 specimens 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.