Blood test, hemoglobin
Facility: Wamego Health Center
Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 85018
- Insurance Median: $2
- Cash Discount Price: $23
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $2 | 84% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $2 | 84% |
| Aetna | $2 | 84% |
| Providrs Care | $2 | 84% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $49 - $52 | 2068% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for hemoglobin (CPT 85018) at Wamego Health Center in Wamego, KS, the facility's cash median price is $23.00, which is significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $2.37 and the median negotiated rate of $2.00. It is important to note that while cash payments can sometimes be cheaper for patients with high-deductible plans, the data indicates that the negotiated rates are already below the cash price in this specific instance. Commercial insurance plans, including Medicaid/KanCare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and others, have negotiated rates that vary by plan, with Blue Cross Blue Shield showing a range between $49 and $52. Patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network rates are contractually set ceilings that may differ from the facility's cash rate.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, we recommend asking the hospital directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% for upfront payments. Since hospitals often inflate their chargemaster lists to make discounts appear larger, comparing your final bill to the Medicare rate of $2.37 provides a scientifically validated baseline for fair pricing rather than the gross charge. If you receive a bill, request a full itemized statement to identify any errors, double-billing, or services not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain mistakes that can be corrected through a formal written dispute. Always confirm your deductible status before using insurance, as paying a negotiated rate without meeting your deductible may result in higher out-of-pocket costs