Blood test, hemoglobin
Facility: Golden Valley Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 85018
- Insurance Median: $2
- Cash Discount Price: $36
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.84x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
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 | 84% |
| Home State Health | $2 | 84% |
| Humana | $2 | 84% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $2 - $4 | 84% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $3 | 127% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri, reports a cash median price of $36 for the blood test for hemoglobin (CPT code 85018). This cash rate is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $61 and aligns closely with the state of Missouri average, which stands at $36. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $36 upfront may be more cost-effective than using insurance, as the commercial negotiated rates for this service are $2, which appears to be the baseline allowed amount across all listed payers including Aetna, Home State Health, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Ambetter/Centene.
The facility operates under a government hospital district or authority and maintains a rating of 3 out of 5. While the median negotiated rate is $2, patients should be aware that this amount often represents the baseline for in-network coverage rather than the final out-of-pocket cost, as many plans require meeting a deductible before these negotiated rates apply. To minimize expenses, it is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can further reduce the bill by bypassing administrative claim processing fees. Additionally, patients should request an itemized billing audit to ensure no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included in the final invoice.