Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Salina Regional Health Center
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $94
- Cash Discount Price: $73
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.03x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 1403% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1303%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $16 - $17 | 239% |
| Preferred Phsic | $63 | 940% |
| Preferred Healthcare - All Other Plans | $85 | 1269% |
| Multiplan (Mpi)-All Plans | $94 | 1403% |
| Aetna | $94 | 1403% |
| Cigna | $94 | 1403% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $94 | 1403% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, magnesium procedure (CPT 83735) at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS, the facility's cash median price is $73.00, which is lower than the state average of $85.00. While the facility's median negotiated rate is $94.00, this amount is still below the state average of $105.00. Patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more advantageous if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds $73.00, as paying out-of-pocket could result in immediate savings. It is important to note that while the facility is a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital, commercial rates often include administrative overhead that can inflate the baseline price compared to the true cost of care.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, always request an itemized bill before finalizing payment, as summary bills can obscure individual charges and potential errors. If you choose to pay directly, ask about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if settled upfront, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims. Additionally, be aware that Medicare rates for this service are set at $6.70, serving as a benchmark for fair pricing; commercial rates should ideally align closer to 120% to 150% of this amount rather than the higher negotiated figures. Always verify your specific plan's allowed amount and deductible status before scheduling to avoid unexpected balance billing or surprise costs.