CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Houlton Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $35
Cash Discount Price: $73
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Houlton Regional Hospital is $35. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $73. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 5.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 20 Hartford Street, Houlton, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$73

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$35

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: $73 (1090%)

Insurance Median: $35 (522%)

Cash: $73 (1090% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $35 (522% 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 522% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 422%). 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	$16 - $34	239%
Tricare	$32	478%
Wellcare	$34	507%
Aetna	$35	522%
Martins_Point	$39	582%
Community_Health	$68	1015%
Cigna	$70	1045%
United	$73	1090%

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 $73.
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 Houlton Regional 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.