CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Natividad Medical Center

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $1,043
Cash Discount Price: $1,490
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Natividad Medical Center is $1,043. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,490. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 2.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1441 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,490

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,043

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: $1,490 (331%)

Insurance Median: $1,043 (231%)

Cash: $1,490 (331% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,043 (231% 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 231% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 131%). 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
Aspire Mcr Adv - All Plans	$627	139%
Wgat Cedar - All Plans	$784	174%
Pacific Health Alliance - All Plans	$820	182%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$961	213%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$968	215%
Aetna	$1,118	248%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,162	258%
Cigna	$1,266	281%
Medi-Cal	$1,490	331%
Medi-Cal Hmo - All Plans	$1,520	337%

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 $1,490.
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 Natividad 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.