A cash price, sometimes called a self-pay or discounted cash price, is what a hospital or other provider charges a patient who pays directly. Hospitals are required by federal rules to publish their cash prices for the services they offer.
For some services, such as imaging and lab tests, the cash price can be lower than the rate an insurance plan pays. Cash payments usually don't count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, so compare both before you decide.