Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Stormont Vail Hospital
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $21
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.13x 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 313% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 213%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $7 | 104% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $7 | 104% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $7 - $26 | 104% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test for magnesium at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS, the facility's negotiated rate is $21.00, which is significantly lower than the state average of $6.70. While the hospital's median negotiated rate is $21.00, the actual amount paid by insurance carriers varies widely; UnitedHealthcare and Ambetter / Centene paid $7.00 each, while Blue Cross Blue Shield paid between $7.00 and $26.00 depending on the specific plan. This variation highlights that even within the same network, different insurance carriers may negotiate different prices for the same service. Because the facility is a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital, these negotiated rates represent the contractual ceiling for in-network members, but they do not necessarily reflect the lowest possible price available.
Patients should be aware that cash-pay options might offer a better financial outcome if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price, though cash rates are not listed for this service. To minimize costs, it is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% when paid upfront. Additionally, since the facility is in-network, the No Surprises Act generally protects patients from balance billing for emergency or non-emergency services, but patients should still request an itemized bill to verify that all charges are accurate and that no unbundled codes or services not rendered have been included. Comparing the facility's performance to the broader market shows that while the negotiated rate is competitive relative to the state average, individual plan allowances can vary substantially, making it essential to check your specific deductible status and allowed amount before