CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)

Facility: Baptist Health - Fort Smith

Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83036
Insurance Median: $12
Cash Discount Price: $20
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c) at Baptist Health - Fort Smith is $12. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $20. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $9.71, this hospital’s rate is 1.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$20

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$12

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$9.71

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $9.71 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $20 (206%)

Insurance Median: $12 (124%)

Cash: $20 (206% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $12 (124% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $9.71 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
Ar Integrated Providers Ma	$10	103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $12	103%
Essence Ma	$10	103%
Humana	$10	103%
UnitedHealthcare	$10	103%
Wellcare and Wellcare By Allwell	$10	103%
Health Advantage	$12	124%
Vantos	$15	154%
Ambetter / Centene	$16	165%
Ehn	$16	165%
Ar Total Care (Passe)	$18	185%
Caresource (Passe)	$18	185%
Cigna	$18	185%
Empower (Passe)	$18	185%
Summit Care (Passe)	$18	185%
Qualchoice	$21	216%

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 $20.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83036.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Baptist Health - Fort Smith is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 83036.
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.