CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Chinese Hospital

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $54
Cash Discount Price: $120
vs. Medicare Baseline: 22.78x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Chinese Hospital is $54. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $120. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 22.78x the Medicare baseline. Located in 845 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$120

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$54

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: $120 (5063%)

Insurance Median: $54 (2278%)

Cash: $120 (5063% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $54 (2278% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 2278% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2178%). 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
Aetna	$2 - $12	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $4	84%
Cchp Mcr Adv	$2	84%
Jade Mcr Adv	$2	84%
Hp Of San Mateo Medi-Cal	$3	127%
Jade-All Other Plans	$3	127%
Medi-Cal	$3	127%
On Lok Mcr Adv-All Plans	$3	127%
San Francisco Health Plan- All Plans	$3	127%
Asian Medical Group Medi-Cal Op Only	$4	169%
Blue Shield Medi-Cal	$4	169%
Hp Of San Mateo Health Kids/Health Worx-All Other	$4	169%
Jade Medi-Cal	$5	211%
Health Net-All Plans	$43 - $81	1814%
Cigna	$45 - $84	1899%
Cchp-All Other Plans	$70 - $129	2954%
Hp Of San Mateo Mcr Adv	$74 - $137	3122%
Asian Medical Group Mcare Op Only-All Other Plans	$82 - $152	3460%
Bay Area Accountable Care Mcare	$82 - $152	3460%
Bay Area Accountable Care - All Other Plans	$148 - $274	6245%
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$261	11013%

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 $120.
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 Chinese Hospital 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.