Blood test, hemoglobin
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc
Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 85018
- Insurance Median: $2
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Va | $2 | 84% |
| Humana | $2 | 84% |
| Vc Hope | $2 | 84% |
| Medicare (plans) | $2 | 84% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $2 - $7 | 84% |
| Smarthealth | $2 - $3 | 84% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $2 | 84% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $4 | 169% |
| Cigna | $4 | 169% |
| Aetna | $7 - $8 | 295% |
| Coventry City Of Wichita | $10 | 422% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 85018, representing a blood test for hemoglobin, the facility Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc in Wichita, KS, has a negotiated rate of $2.00. This rate is significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $2.37, indicating a discount of 16% compared to the federal baseline. While the facility does not list a specific cash median, patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying cash directly could result in lower out-of-pocket costs if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. It is important to note that commercial payers like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Humana have negotiated rates that vary across their plans, with UnitedHealthcare showing a range of $2 to $7 and Aetna ranging from $7 to $8, suggesting that individual plan allowances can differ substantially from the facility's standard negotiated amount.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, always request an itemized bill before finalizing payment, as summary bills often obscure individual code costs and potential errors. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask the billing department specifically about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront. Additionally, be aware that while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to verify your specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as you may still be responsible for the full negotiated rate if your deductible has not yet been met.