CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: El Centro Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $3
Cash Discount Price: $32
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at El Centro Regional Medical Center is $3. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $32. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 1.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1415 Ross Avenue, El Centro, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$32

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

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: $32 (1350%)

Insurance Median: $3 (127%)

Cash: $32 (1350% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3 (127% 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.

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
Ahccs/Medi-Cal Misc - All Plans	$1 - $48	42%
Ambetter / Centene	$1 - $49	42%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1 - $313	42%
Brand New Day Mcal	$1 - $48	42%
Cigna	$1 - $36	42%
Healthnet Comm-All Other Plans	$1 - $43	42%
Humana	$1 - $45	42%
Medi-Cal	$1 - $48	42%
Molina Exchange - All Other Plans	$1 - $48	42%
Molina Mcal	$1 - $53	42%
Mulitplan Primary - All Other Plans	$1 - $33	42%
Multiplan Comp	$1 - $38	42%
Pacificare-All Plans	$1 - $30	42%
Trident - All Plans	$1 - $41	42%
Brand New Day Comm - All Other Plans	$2	84%
Brand New Day Mcr	$2	84%
Healthnet Mcr Adv	$2	84%
Molina Mcr Adv	$2	84%
Scp Managed Care - All Plans	$2	84%
Tricare	$2	84%
UnitedHealthcare	$2 - $24	84%
Cdcr Correctional-All Plans	$3	127%
Easy Choice Mcr Adv-All Plans	$3	127%
Healthnet Hmo	$3	127%
Blue Shield-All Plans	$15 - $247	633%
Aetna	$20 - $21	844%

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 $32.
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 El Centro Regional Medical Center 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.