CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)

Facility: Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83036
Insurance Median: $35
Cash Discount Price: $49
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.60x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c) at Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center is $35. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $49. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $9.71, this hospital’s rate is 3.60x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$49

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

$9.71

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $9.71 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $49 (505%)

Insurance Median: $35 (360%)

Cash: $49 (505% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $35 (360% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $9.71 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 360% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 260%). 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
Sanford Health Plan Align	$15 - $32	154%
Aetna	$16 - $73	165%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$16 - $77	165%
Health Partners	$16 - $68	165%
Medicare (plans)	$16 - $35	165%
Primewest	$16 - $35	165%
Ucare	$16 - $74	165%
UnitedHealthcare	$16 - $70	165%
Sanford Health Plan	$21 - $53	216%
Security Health Plan	$21 - $46	216%
Medica	$34 - $79	350%
Cigna	$35 - $76	360%
First Choice Health Network	$35 - $76	360%
Healthez	$35 - $76	360%
Multiplan	$35 - $76	360%

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 $49.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83036.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 83036.
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.