CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Kern Valley Healthcare District

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $26
Cash Discount Price: $24
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.97x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Kern Valley Healthcare District is $26. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $24. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 10.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6412 Laurel Ave, Lake Isabella, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$24

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$26

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: $24 (1013%)

Insurance Median: $26 (1097%)

Cash: $24 (1013% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $26 (1097% 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 1097% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 997%). 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
Medi-Cal	$3	127%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$7	295%
Healthnet (Aim)	$9 - $10	380%
Healthnet Mcal	$9 - $10	380%
UnitedHealthcare	$20 - $21	844%
Healthnet Med Adv	$23 - $25	970%
Humana	$23 - $25	970%
Brand New Day - All Plans	$27 - $29	1139%
Tricare	$78 - $83	3291%
Aetna	$85 - $90	3586%
Healthnet- All Other Plans	$88 - $94	3713%
Cigna	$95 - $101	4008%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$112 - $119	4726%

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 $24.
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 Kern Valley Healthcare District 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.