CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $86
Cash Discount Price: $119
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Boston Children's Hospital is $86. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $119. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 12.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$119

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$86

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6.7

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6.7 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $119 (1776%)

Insurance Median: $86 (1284%)

Cash: $119 (1776% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $86 (1284% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.7 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 1284% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1184%). 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	$24 - $81	358%
Unicare	$27	403%
Cdphp	$56 - $104	836%
Harvard Pilgrim	$58 - $82	866%
Aetna	$69 - $102	1030%
United	$69 - $102	1030%
Mgb/Allways	$70 - $90	1045%
Tufts Public Plan	$71 - $75	1060%
United Ri Nj Ny	$72 - $77	1075%
Ambetter / Centene	$73 - $77	1090%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$75 - $79	1119%
UnitedHealthcare	$75 - $104	1119%
Carelon/Beacon	$86 - $92	1284%
Fallon	$88 - $94	1313%
Health New England	$93 - $99	1388%
Cigna	$98 - $110	1463%
Ets/Lifetrac	$98 - $104	1463%
Interlink Transplant	$98 - $104	1463%
Community Health Options	$104 - $110	1552%
Humana	$104 - $110	1552%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$106 - $112	1582%
Multiplan/Phcs	$106 - $116	1582%

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 $119.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83735.

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 83735.
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.