CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Memorial Health Meadows Hospital

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $8
Cash Discount Price: $54
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital is $8. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $54. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 3.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in One Meadows Parkway, Vidalia, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$54

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: $54 (2278%)

Insurance Median: $8 (338%)

Cash: $54 (2278% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $8 (338% 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 338% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 238%). 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 - $56	84%
Ambetter / Centene	$2 - $3	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $40	84%
Caresource	$2	84%
Clover	$2	84%
Devoted Health	$2	84%
Eon Health	$2	84%
Eon Health Dme	$2	84%
Friday Health	$2	84%
Georgia Assurance	$2	84%
Healthspring	$2	84%
Humana	$2	84%
Shared Health	$2	84%
United	$2 - $35	84%
Vidalia Health	$2	84%
Wellcare	$2	84%
Health One Alliance	$3	127%
Amerigroup	$4 - $10	169%
Peach State	$6 - $16	253%
Pruitt Health	$6 - $15	253%
Memorial Health Plan	$7 - $35	295%
Centurion	$8 - $22	338%
Multiplan	$27 - $70	1139%

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 $54.
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 Memorial Health Meadows 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.