CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $1,590
Cash Discount Price: $702
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.53x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside is $1,590. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $702. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 3.53x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 Frist Court, Columbus, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$702

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,590

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: $702 (156%)

Insurance Median: $1,590 (353%)

Cash: $702 (156% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,590 (353% 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 353% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 253%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$272 - $277	60%
Cigna	$1,073 - $1,590	238%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,249 - $1,922	277%
Kaiser [10500]	$1,567	348%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$1,590	353%
Phcs [10601]	$1,637	363%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,729 - $2,338	384%
Novanet [10819]	$1,754	389%
Aetna	$1,859	412%
First Health [10303]	$1,871	415%
Multiplan [10600]	$1,988	441%

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 $702.
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 Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside 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.