CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Barstow Community Hospital

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $1,473
Cash Discount Price: $1,278
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Barstow Community Hospital is $1,473. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,278. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 3.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 820 E Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,278

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,473

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: $1,278 (284%)

Insurance Median: $1,473 (327%)

Cash: $1,278 (284% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,473 (327% 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 327% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 227%). 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
Blue Shield Epn	$287	64%
Aetna	$810 - $1,669	180%
Cigna	$900 - $1,854	200%
Multiplan Primary Network-All Other Plans	$900 - $1,854	200%
Blue Shield-All Other Plans	$937 - $1,931	208%
Multiplan Complementary Network	$975 - $2,009	216%
Humana	$1,050 - $2,163	233%
Healthnet-All Plans	$1,200 - $2,472	266%
Medi-Cal	$1,500 - $3,090	333%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$4,828	1071%

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 $1,278.
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 Barstow Community Hospital 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.