Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Wichita County Health Center
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $41
- Cash Discount Price: $36
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.12x 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 612% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 512%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $37 | 552% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $45 | 672% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood magnesium test at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas, the facility's cash price of $36.00 is lower than the state average of $37.00, making it a potentially cost-effective option for patients paying out-of-pocket. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with government ownership, the negotiated rates for in-network payers like Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare range from $37.00 to $45.00, which are higher than the cash price. This pricing structure highlights a common billing dynamic where commercial insurance contracts often result in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients who have not yet met their deductible, as the negotiated ceiling includes administrative overhead and contract premiums that exceed the direct cash rate.
To maximize savings, patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as paying the cash price of $36.00 upfront may be cheaper than the $41.00 median negotiated rate if their insurance has not covered the service. Additionally, contacting the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts could further reduce the final bill, as facilities often offer fee reductions for upfront payment to bypass costly claims processing. It is important to request an itemized bill before paying to ensure accuracy, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, and to avoid balance billing by confirming that all services are covered under the No Surprises Act protections for in-network care.