Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Lmh
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $12
- Cash Discount Price: $42
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.79x 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.
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 | $6 - $118 | 90% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $6 - $46 | 90% |
| Allwell | $7 | 104% |
| Cigna | $7 - $122 | 104% |
| Medicare (plans) | $7 | 104% |
| Humana | $7 | 104% |
| Haskell Indian Health Services | $7 | 104% |
| Aetna | $7 - $152 | 104% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $10 | 149% |
| Non Contracted | $123 - $146 | 1836% |
| First Health | $143 - $170 | 2134% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood magnesium test at Lmh in Lawrence, KS, the cash price of $42.00 is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $168.00 and stands below the state average for this procedure. While commercial payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna have negotiated rates ranging from $6 to $152 depending on the specific plan, the cash rate remains the most predictable option for patients without insurance. It is important to note that for individuals with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price upfront can sometimes be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates for many commercial plans exceed the cash amount. Additionally, patients should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final bill by bypassing administrative fees associated with insurance claims processing.
When evaluating the cost of this service, it is crucial to compare rates against the Medicare benchmark rather than the hospital's inflated list price. The Medicare reimbursement rate for this code is $6.70, and the facility's cash rate of $42.00 represents a markup of 1.8 times the Medicare amount. While commercial negotiated rates often average between 200% and 300% of Medicare, the cash price here offers a more transparent baseline. If you are receiving an itemized bill, ensure it breaks down the specific CPT code to avoid confusion with bundled charges or services not rendered. For any commercial claims, verify your deductible status before scheduling, as paying the full negotiated rate without meeting your deductible threshold can result in unexpected out-of-pocket costs that far exceed the cash price.