Blood test, hemoglobin
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 85018
- Insurance Median: $2
- Cash Discount Price: $22
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.84x 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 $2.37 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare (plans) | $2 | 84% |
| Aetna | $2 | 84% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $2 | 84% |
| Humana | $2 | 84% |
| Providrs Care | $2 | 84% |
| Va | $2 | 84% |
| Smarthealth | $2 - $3 | 84% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $2 - $7 | 84% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $4 | 169% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $37 - $58 | 1561% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test procedure, the facility's cash price of $22.00 is significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $2.37, which serves as the federal baseline for true healthcare costs. While commercial insurance plans like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield have negotiated rates ranging from $2 to $58, these figures often exceed the cash price due to administrative overhead and contract structures. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash rate directly, as the $22.00 self-pay amount is substantially lower than the potential negotiated amounts charged by major payers. To maximize savings, consumers should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final bill by bypassing costly insurance processing fees.
It is important to understand that commercial rates are not always the lowest possible option; in this case, the cash price is the most affordable route compared to the wide variance in negotiated rates across different insurers. If you do choose to use insurance, be aware that balance billing could occur if out-of-network services are involved, though federal protections like the No Surprises Act limit these charges for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Furthermore, because over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, patients should request a detailed, itemized statement rather than accepting a summary bill that obscures individual charges. Always verify your deductible status before proceeding, as paying the full negotiated rate without meeting your deductible threshold can result in unexpectedly high out-of-pocket costs.