CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Forrest City Medical Center

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $1,215
Cash Discount Price: $972
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.70x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Forrest City Medical Center is $1,215. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $972. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 2.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1601 Newcastle Road, Forrest City, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$972

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,215

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: $972 (216%)

Insurance Median: $1,215 (270%)

Cash: $972 (216% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,215 (270% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 270% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 170%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$365	81%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$424	94%
Ccs Prison/Naphcare-All Plans	$430	95%
Municipal-All Plans	$441 - $1,349	98%
Cigna	$459 - $1,403	102%
Multiplan-All Plans	$617 - $1,889	137%
Humana	$661 - $2,024	147%
Aetna	$706 - $2,429	157%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,279 - $3,913	284%

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 $972.
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 Forrest City Medical Center 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.