CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Essentia Health Deer River

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $27
Cash Discount Price: $47
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.39x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Essentia Health Deer River is $27. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $47. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 11.39x the Medicare baseline. Located in 115 10Th Avenue Northeast, Deer River, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$47

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$27

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: $47 (1983%)

Insurance Median: $27 (1139%)

Cash: $47 (1983% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $27 (1139% 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 1139% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1039%). 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
Advocare/Security Health	$2 - $27	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $44	84%
Freedom Blue Ppo	$2 - $27	84%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv	$2 - $27	84%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime	$2 - $27	84%
Imcare Msho Ref Req	$2 - $27	84%
Itasca Med Care	$2	84%
Medica Advantage Solutions	$2 - $27	84%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions	$2 - $27	84%
Medica Prime Solution Group	$2 - $27	84%
Medicare (plans)	$2 - $27	84%
Blue Plus Pmap Pcc Prime	$24 - $35	1013%
Healthpartners Care Pmap	$25	1055%
Healthpartners	$43 - $50	1814%
America'S Ppo	$49	2068%
Cigna	$49 - $50	2068%
Healthpartners Pcc Prime	$49 - $50	2068%
Aetna	$54	2278%

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 $47.
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 Essentia Health Deer River 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.