CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83036
Insurance Median: $84
Cash Discount Price: $111
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.65x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c) at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $84. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $111. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $9.71, this hospital’s rate is 8.65x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$111

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$84

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$9.71

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $9.71 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $111 (1143%)

Insurance Median: $84 (865%)

Cash: $111 (1143% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $84 (865% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $9.71 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 865% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 765%). 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
Iowa Total Care	$9 - $10	93%
Molina Healthcare	$9 - $10	93%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$9 - $10	93%
Aetna	$10 - $100	103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $80	103%
Healthpartners	$10 - $142	103%
Medical Associates	$10 - $84	103%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $71	103%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$21 - $125	216%
Aplos Health Plan	$22 - $134	227%
Immergrun	$22 - $42	227%
Oscar Health	$57 - $105	587%
Great River Health Systems	$63 - $117	649%
Sedgwick	$72 - $134	742%
Global Excel	$76 - $142	783%
Sanford Health Plan	$76 - $142	783%
Midlands Choice	$78 - $109	803%
Employee Benefit Systems	$79 - $150	814%
Sisco	$79 - $147	814%
Healthsmart	$81 - $150	834%
Hfn	$83 - $154	855%
Multiplan	$83 - $154	855%

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 $111.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83036.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 83036.
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.