CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Methodist Jennie Edmundson

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $36
Cash Discount Price: $25
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Methodist Jennie Edmundson is $36. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $25. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 5.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 933 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$25

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$36

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: $25 (373%)

Insurance Median: $36 (537%)

Cash: $25 (373% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $36 (537% 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 537% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 437%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$6 - $50	90%
Aetna	$7 - $50	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7 - $55	104%
Humana	$7	104%
Medica	$7 - $38	104%
Medicare (plans)	$7 - $42	104%
Medica Choice	$11 - $42	164%
Elite Choice - Mje	$13 - $14	194%
Ambetter / Centene	$14	209%
Midlands Choice	$17 - $59	254%
Wellmark	$27 - $29	403%
Ne Furniture Mart	$29 - $50	433%

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 $25.
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 Methodist Jennie Edmundson 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.