CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: New Ulm Medical Center

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $22
Cash Discount Price: $32
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at New Ulm Medical Center is $22. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $32. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 9.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1324 Fifth North Street, New Ulm, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$32

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$22

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: $32 (1350%)

Insurance Median: $22 (928%)

Cash: $32 (1350% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $22 (928% 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 928% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 828%). 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
Aetna	$2 - $77	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2 - $73	84%
Medica	$2 - $96	84%
Medicaid / KanCare	$2 - $43	84%
Medicare (plans)	$2 - $40	84%
Hennepin Health	$3	127%
Medica Health System	$3 - $101	127%
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$3 - $25	127%
UnitedHealthcare	$3 - $75	127%
Health Partners	$4 - $7	169%
Bc Aware/Blue Plus (Nr)	$7	295%
Medica Dual Solutions (A U)	$7 - $55	295%
Cigna	$8 - $74	338%
South Country Health Alliance	$8 - $47	338%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(A M U)	$10 - $83	422%
Medica Ubh (A)	$10 - $104	422%
Medica Ubh (N)	$11 - $76	464%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$12 - $70	506%
Medica Mhps	$12 - $96	506%
Medica Ubh Pmap	$12 - $99	506%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$13 - $104	549%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$14 - $76	591%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$16 - $90	675%

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 $32.
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 New Ulm Medical Center 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.