CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $28
Cash Discount Price: $39
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Boston Children's Hospital is $28. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $39. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 11.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$39

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$28

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: $39 (1646%)

Insurance Median: $28 (1181%)

Cash: $39 (1646% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $28 (1181% 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 1181% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1081%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8 - $26	338%
Unicare	$9	380%
Cdphp	$19 - $33	802%
Harvard Pilgrim	$20 - $26	844%
Aetna	$23 - $33	970%
United	$23 - $33	970%
Mgb/Allways	$24 - $29	1013%
Tufts Public Plan	$24	1013%
Ambetter / Centene	$25	1055%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$25	1055%
United Ri Nj Ny	$25	1055%
UnitedHealthcare	$25 - $33	1055%
Carelon/Beacon	$29	1224%
Fallon	$30	1266%
Health New England	$32	1350%
Cigna	$33 - $35	1392%
Ets/Lifetrac	$33	1392%
Interlink Transplant	$33	1392%
Community Health Options	$35	1477%
Humana	$35	1477%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$36	1519%
Multiplan/Phcs	$36 - $37	1519%

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 $39.
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 Boston Children's Hospital 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.