Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)
Facility: Goodland Regional Medical Center
Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83036
- Insurance Median: $77
- Cash Discount Price: $77
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.93x 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 $9.71 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 793% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 693%). 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 | $36 | 371% |
| Wppa | $73 - $77 | 752% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $77 | 793% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood sugar (A1c) test at Goodland Regional Medical Center, the cash median price is $77.00, which is lower than the facility's negotiated rates of $77.00 and the gross charge of $86.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital in Goodland, KS, with a government-local ownership structure, patients should be aware that commercial insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wppa, and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated rates ranging from $36 to $77 depending on the specific plan. Because the cash price matches the median negotiated rate in this instance, paying out-of-pocket may not yield savings compared to using insurance, though it is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling.
To ensure you are not overcharged, always request a full itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices can hide unbundled codes or services not rendered. If you receive a balance bill for out-of-network ancillary services, remember that the No Surprises Act protects you from paying the difference between the provider's full rate and your insurance allowed amount for emergency and non-emergency care at in-network facilities. Additionally, since hospitals often offer prompt-pay discounts of 20% to 50% for upfront payment, you should explicitly ask the billing department about self-pay or prompt-pay options prior to check-in to avoid unexpected costs, especially if your deductible has not yet been met.