Question 1

What is cash-pay healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Cash-pay healthcare means paying directly for medical services without using insurance. Many Austin providers offer significant discounts — often 50–90% less than insurance billed rates — for patients who pay cash or by card at time of service. For example, an MRI that costs $1,800 at a hospital can cost $545 cash-pay in Austin.

Question 2

How does MarketCare work?

Accepted Answer

MarketCare aggregates transparent cash-pay prices from 762+ Austin healthcare providers across 518+ procedures. Search for a procedure, compare verified prices and MarketCare Scores, then book directly with the provider. No middleman, no account required, 100% free.

Question 3

Do I need insurance to use MarketCare?

Accepted Answer

No insurance is required. MarketCare is built for self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, uninsured, and underinsured patients in Austin, TX who want transparent pricing before they visit the doctor. All listed prices are verified cash-pay rates.

Question 4

How much does an MRI cost in Austin without insurance?

Accepted Answer

An MRI in Austin costs between $350 and $1,200 cash-pay depending on the body part and facility. Hospital MRIs average $1,800+, but independent imaging centers offer the same scans for $350–$600. MarketCare lists verified MRI prices from 20+ Austin imaging providers so you can compare before booking.

Question 5

How much does a colonoscopy cost in Austin without insurance?

Accepted Answer

A screening colonoscopy in Austin costs $1,175–$2,500 cash-pay at ambulatory surgery centers, compared to $4,500+ at hospitals. MarketCare shows verified cash prices from Austin gastroenterology providers so you can find the most affordable option.

Question 6

What are the cheapest healthcare options in Austin for uninsured patients?

Accepted Answer

Austin has 762+ providers offering cash-pay rates that are 50–90% below hospital prices. The cheapest options include direct primary care clinics ($50–$100/month for unlimited visits), community health centers with sliding-scale fees, urgent care clinics ($100–$200 per visit), and independent imaging centers. MarketCare compares all of these so you can find the lowest price.

Question 7

Is MarketCare free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MarketCare is 100% free for patients. No account, no sign-up, no hidden fees. We make money through provider partnerships, not by charging patients. Our mission is to make healthcare prices transparent for everyone in the Austin metro area.

Question 8

What areas does MarketCare cover?

Accepted Answer

MarketCare covers the entire Greater Austin metro area including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Kyle, Buda, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Manor, Hutto, and West Lake Hills. We list cash-pay prices from providers across all of these communities.

Question 9

How accurate are the prices on MarketCare?

Accepted Answer

MarketCare prices are verified through direct provider outreach — our team calls providers, checks published price lists, and cross-references CMS transparency data. Prices are updated regularly and include confidence ratings. All prices shown are cash-pay rates as of the date listed on each procedure page.

Question 10

Can I use MarketCare if I have insurance?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many insured patients use MarketCare to compare cash-pay prices against their insurance copay or deductible. In many cases, paying cash is cheaper than using insurance — especially for imaging, lab work, and elective procedures. High-deductible health plan holders save the most.

Question 11

How much does hernia surgery cost in Austin without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Hernia surgery in Austin costs $3,000–$8,000 cash-pay depending on the type. Open inguinal hernia repair runs $3,500–$6,500, laparoscopic repair $4,000–$8,000, and umbilical hernia repair $3,000–$6,000. Hospital chargemasters list $15,000–$25,000 for the same procedures. MarketCare compares verified cash-pay prices from Austin general surgeons so you can find the best rate.

Question 12

How much does dental care cost in Austin without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Dental prices in Austin vary widely: routine cleaning $75–$200, fillings $100–$375, root canal $600–$2,000, dental crown $800–$2,000, wisdom tooth extraction $250–$800, and dental implants $1,500–$5,000. Many Austin dentists offer in-house membership plans ($200–$400/year) that include cleanings and discounts on other work. MarketCare lists cash-pay prices for 25 dental procedures.

Question 13

How much does urgent care cost in Austin without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Urgent care visits in Austin cost $100–$225 cash-pay, compared to $500–$2,000+ at the emergency room. Most Austin urgent care clinics offer transparent self-pay pricing with no surprise bills. Virtual urgent care visits are available for $75–$99. MarketCare compares urgent care prices across Austin so you can find the most affordable option near you.

Procedure	Cash Price
BestAllergy New Patient Visit	$175–275
Allergy Testing (Skin/Blood)	$200–500
Allergy Immunotherapy Setup	$150–400
Asthma Evaluation	$150–300
Food Allergy Evaluation	$175–350
Allergy Shot (Weekly)	$25–75

Dr. Doug Barstow, MD — Allergy Partners of Austin

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