Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Phillips County Hospital
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $37
- Cash Discount Price: $32
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.52x 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 552% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 452%). 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 - $37 | 388% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $30 - $46 | 448% |
| Health Partners-All Plans | $37 - $46 | 552% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $37 - $46 | 552% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, magnesium procedure (CPT 83735) at Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, KS, the facility's negotiated rates range from $30 to $46 depending on the insurance plan, with a median negotiated payment of $37.00. This rate is slightly higher than the state average, which is $37.00, and aligns closely with the county average of $37.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients should be aware that their specific insurance plan's negotiated rate may vary; for instance, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans see payments between $26 and $37, whereas UnitedHealthcare and Health Partners-All Plans range from $30 to $46.
For patients with high-deductible plans, paying cash directly can sometimes be more cost-effective than using insurance, as the cash price of $32.00 is lower than the median negotiated rate of $37.00. The facility offers a cash median of $32.00, which is also lower than the Medicare benchmark of $6.70 when adjusted for the specific pricing context, though the primary comparison for consumers is often against the cash price itself. To maximize savings, patients should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the final bill significantly. Additionally, since the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, patients should verify that all ancillary services, such as lab draws, are covered under the facility's network agreements to avoid unexpected charges.