CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Minden Medical Center

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $17
Cash Discount Price: $37
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Minden Medical Center is $17. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $37. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 7.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in No 1 Medical Plaza, Minden, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$37

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$17

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: $37 (1561%)

Insurance Median: $17 (717%)

Cash: $37 (1561% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $17 (717% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 717% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 617%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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 - $17	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $122	84%
Commercial Insurance	$2 - $122	84%
Gulf South Employee	$2	84%
Managed Care	$2 - $122	84%
Mcd Amerihealth	$2 - $17	84%
Mcd Healthy Blue	$2 - $17	84%
Mcd La Hlth Conn	$2 - $17	84%
Mcd United Hc La	$2 - $17	84%
Medicaid / KanCare	$2 - $17	84%
Medicare (plans)	$2	84%
Humana	$3 - $19	127%
Industrial/Occ Health	$7	295%
Workers Comp	$7 - $122	295%
Private Pay	$37 - $122	1561%
Auto Liability	$122	5148%
Charity And Indigent	$122	5148%

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 $37.
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 Minden 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.