CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Alaska Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $17
Cash Discount Price: $58
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Alaska Regional Hospital is $17. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $58. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 7.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2801 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.

Cash / Self-Pay

$58

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$17

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$2.37

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $2.37 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $58 (2447%)

Insurance Median: $17 (717%)

Cash: $58 (2447% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $17 (717% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $2.37 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 717% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 617%). 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
Triwest Healthcare Alliance	$2	84%
United	$2 - $73	84%
Veteran'S Administration	$2	84%
Veterans Evaluation Services	$3	127%
Moda Health	$6 - $46	253%
Union Coalition	$6 - $29	253%
Union Coalition Cement Masons	$6 - $30	253%
Aetna	$10 - $23	422%
Geha Ppo Usa	$10 - $85	422%
Premerafirst	$10 - $48	422%
Cigna	$11 - $52	464%
Coventry Healthcare	$12 - $61	506%
Multiplan	$12 - $90	506%
First Health	$14 - $68	591%
Bering Strait School District	$15 - $73	633%
Nreca Group Benefit Trust	$15 - $73	633%
Risk & Benefit Management	$15 - $73	633%
Banner Health	$16 - $77	675%
Matanuska Telephone	$16 - $77	675%

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 $58.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 85018.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Alaska Regional Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 85018.
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.