CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $129
Cash Discount Price: $1,142
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.29x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is $129. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,142. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 0.29x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1201 S Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,142

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$129

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$450.73

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $450.73 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,142 (253%)

Insurance Median: $129 (29%)

Cash: $1,142 (253% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $129 (29% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $450.73 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.

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	$40 - $433	9%
Healthlink	$82 - $4,616	18%
Aetna	$442 - $1,907	98%
Ambetter / Centene	$446 - $3,148	99%
Humana	$449	100%
Essence	$455	101%
Oscar	$530	118%
UnitedHealthcare	$537 - $961	119%
Cigna	$1,373	305%

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 $1,142.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 36430.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 36430.
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.