CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $828
Cash Discount Price: $1,449
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $828. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,449. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 1.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,449

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$828

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: $1,449 (321%)

Insurance Median: $828 (184%)

Cash: $1,449 (321% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $828 (184% 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.

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	$38 - $2,301	8%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$38 - $994	8%
Healthpartners	$38 - $1,760	8%
Iowa Total Care	$38 - $828	8%
Medical Associates	$38 - $1,387	8%
Molina Healthcare	$38 - $828	8%
UnitedHealthcare	$38 - $1,573	8%
Immergrun	$39 - $518	9%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$40 - $432	9%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$90 - $1,552	20%
Aplos Health Plan	$95 - $1,656	21%
Oscar Health	$98 - $1,304	22%
Great River Health Systems	$109 - $1,449	24%
Midlands Choice	$117 - $1,346	26%
Sedgwick	$125 - $1,656	28%
Global Excel	$133 - $1,760	30%
Sanford Health Plan	$133 - $1,760	30%
Employee Benefit Systems	$137 - $1,863	30%
Sisco	$137 - $1,822	30%
Healthsmart	$140 - $1,863	31%
Hfn	$144 - $1,904	32%
Multiplan	$144 - $1,904	32%

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 $1,449.
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 University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down 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.