CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $264
Cash Discount Price: $284
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.59x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $264. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $284. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 0.59x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$284

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$264

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$450.73

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $450.73 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $284 (63%)

Insurance Median: $264 (59%)

Cash: $284 (63% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $264 (59% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $450.73 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.

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
Cigna	$15 - $2,215	3%
Viva	$31 - $1,623	7%
Phcs	$37 - $2,272	8%
Beech Street	$38 - $2,272	8%
One Health Plan	$40 - $2,110	9%
Aetna	$43 - $2,272	10%
Geha	$43 - $2,272	10%
Healthchoice	$43 - $2,272	10%
Alamed	$49 - $2,542	11%
Construction Claims Management	$50 - $2,626	11%
Corvel	$51 - $2,921	11%
Multiplan	$51 - $2,662	11%
Novanet	$52 - $2,710	12%
Humana	$53 - $2,759	12%
UnitedHealthcare	$53 - $501	12%
Department Of Labor	$54 - $2,824	12%
Heritage Summit Health	$54 - $2,824	12%
Pnoa	$56 - $2,921	12%
Three Rivers	$56 - $2,921	12%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$400	89%
Cooper Green	$404	90%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$404	90%
Triwest	$404	90%
United Mine Workers	$404	90%
Ambetter / Centene	$555	123%

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 $284.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 36430.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 36430.
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.