CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $59
Cash Discount Price: $61
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $59. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $61. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 8.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$61

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$59

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6.7

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6.7 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $61 (910%)

Insurance Median: $59 (881%)

Cash: $61 (910% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $59 (881% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.7 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 881% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 781%). 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	$6 - $7	90%
Molina Healthcare	$6	90%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$6 - $7	90%
Aetna	$7 - $66	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7 - $53	104%
Healthpartners	$7 - $94	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $47	104%
Immergrun	$17 - $28	254%
Medical Associates	$34 - $56	507%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$34 - $83	507%
Midlands Choice	$36 - $72	537%
Oscar Health	$43 - $70	642%
Great River Health Systems	$45 - $78	672%
Aplos Health Plan	$55 - $89	821%
Sedgwick	$55 - $89	821%
Global Excel	$59 - $94	881%
Sanford Health Plan	$59 - $94	881%
Sisco	$61 - $98	910%
Employee Benefit Systems	$62 - $100	925%
Healthsmart	$62 - $100	925%
Hfn	$63 - $102	940%
Multiplan	$63 - $102	940%

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 $61.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83735.

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 83735.
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.