CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Astera Health

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $41
Cash Discount Price: $38
vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Astera Health is $41. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $38. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 17.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 421 11Th Street Nw, Wadena, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$38

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$41

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: $38 (1603%)

Insurance Median: $41 (1730%)

Cash: $38 (1603% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $41 (1730% 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 1730% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1630%). 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 Plus Pmap [40002]	$10 - $5,128	422%
Ucare Pmap [30006]	$19 - $1,691	802%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$21 - $5,128	886%
Health Partners [10045]	$21 - $5,128	886%
Medica Nonpmap [10056]	$21 - $5,128	886%
Medica Pmap [10057]	$21 - $3,448	886%
Primewest Non Pmap [30004]	$21 - $5,128	886%
Primewest Pmap [30003]	$21 - $3,448	886%
Ucare Non Pmap [30007]	$22 - $5,385	928%
Health Partners Pmap [10046]	$27	1139%
Ucare Commercial [10705]	$37 - $40	1561%
UnitedHealthcare	$40 - $41	1688%
Multiplan	$43	1814%
Sanford Health Plan [10120]	$46	1941%
Aetna	$48	2025%

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 $38.
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 Astera Health 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.