Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Rawlins County Health Center
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $70
- Cash Discount Price: $72
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.45x 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 1045% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 945%). 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 | $26 | 388% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $70 - $78 | 1045% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for magnesium at Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, Kansas, the cash price is $72.00, which is lower than the facility's gross charge of $85.00. While the facility is in-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, the negotiated rates for these payers range from $26.00 to $78.00, meaning the cash price may be more affordable for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance. It is important to note that cash payments can sometimes result in lower out-of-pocket costs compared to insurance claims, especially when the negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. Patients should explicitly ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final amount owed.
The facility's cash rate of $72.00 is significantly higher than the state of Kansas average, which is $6.70, and also exceeds the Medicare benchmark of $6.70 for this specific CPT code. This substantial difference highlights how commercial negotiated rates and cash prices can vary widely from federal benchmarks. If you are using insurance, be aware that while the facility is in-network, the allowed amount varies by payer, with UnitedHealthcare plans potentially seeing rates up to $78.00. To ensure you are not overcharged, always request an itemized bill before paying and verify that no balance billing is occurring for out-of-network ancillary services, as federal protections like the No Surprises Act may apply depending on the specific services rendered.