CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Rapides Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $4
Cash Discount Price: $89
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Rapides Regional Medical Center is $4. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $89. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 1.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in 211 4Th Street, Alexandria, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$89

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$2.37

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $2.37 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $89 (3755%)

Insurance Median: $4 (169%)

Cash: $89 (3755% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4 (169% of 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.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$2 - $9	84%
Amerigroup	$2	84%
Amerihealth Mercy La Lacare	$2	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $5	84%
Devoted Health	$2	84%
Dignity Care Corporation	$2	84%
Humana	$2 - $3	84%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Inc.	$2	84%
Triwest Healthcare Alliance	$2	84%
United	$2 - $33	84%
United Va Ccn	$2	84%
Vantage Health Plan	$2 - $6	84%
Wellcare	$2	84%
Medical Development International	$3	127%
Universal Healthcare	$3	127%
Allegiance Health Management	$4	169%
Verity	$9 - $44	380%
Cigna	$10 - $46	422%
Ppo Plus	$12 - $56	506%
Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation	$15 - $72	633%
Gilsbar 360	$16 - $78	675%
Multiplan	$17 - $85	717%
Dma Regional Ppo	$22 - $103	928%
Employers Health Network	$22 - $103	928%
First Health	$22 - $103	928%
Healthsouth Corporation	$22 - $103	928%
Plan Vista Solutions (Nppn)	$24 - $115	1013%
Bestcomp	$25 - $119	1055%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $89.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 85018.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Rapides Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 85018.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.