CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $29
Cash Discount Price: $43
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $29. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $43. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 12.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$43

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$29

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: $43 (1814%)

Insurance Median: $29 (1224%)

Cash: $43 (1814% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $29 (1224% 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 1224% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1124%). 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 - $37	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $29	84%
Healthpartners	$2 - $52	84%
Iowa Total Care	$2	84%
Medical Associates	$2 - $30	84%
Molina Healthcare	$2	84%
UnitedHealthcare	$2 - $26	84%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$2	84%
Aplos Health Plan	$5 - $49	211%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$5 - $46	211%
Immergrun	$9 - $15	380%
Midlands Choice	$20 - $40	844%
Oscar Health	$23 - $38	970%
Great River Health Systems	$25 - $43	1055%
Sedgwick	$29 - $49	1224%
Global Excel	$31 - $52	1308%
Sanford Health Plan	$31 - $52	1308%
Employee Benefit Systems	$32 - $55	1350%
Healthsmart	$32 - $55	1350%
Sisco	$32 - $54	1350%
Hfn	$33 - $56	1392%
Multiplan	$33 - $56	1392%

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 $43.
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 University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down 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.