Blood test, hemoglobin
Facility: Osborne County Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 85018
- Insurance Median: $33
- Cash Discount Price: $31
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.92x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 1392% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1292%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $27 | 1139% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $31 | 1308% |
| Wppa | $34 | 1435% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $35 | 1477% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, hemoglobin (CPT 85018) at Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne, KS, the facility's cash price of $31.00 is notably lower than the state average of $36.00. While the hospital is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly more cost-effective than using insurance, as the negotiated rates for in-network payers like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield range from $27.00 to $35.00, which can exceed the cash price. It is important to note that while the cash rate is competitive, patients should always verify if their specific insurance plan has a lower allowed amount before scheduling, as some commercial contracts may result in lower out-of-pocket costs than the self-pay rate.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is recommended to request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as double-billing or unbundled codes. If you receive a surprise bill from an out-of-network provider, even at this in-network facility, you may be entitled to protections under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for emergency and non-emergency services. Additionally, you should inquire about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the $31.00 cash price by 20% to 50% if paid upfront, effectively lowering the cost further than the current cash median. Always demand a full, line-by-line statement rather than accepting a summary bill, and dispute any discrepancies in writing to protect your financial interests.