CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Ochsner Watkins Hospital

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $5
Cash Discount Price: $36
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Ochsner Watkins Hospital is $5. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $36. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 2.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 605 South Archusa Avenue, Quitman, MS.

Cash / Self-Pay

$36

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

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: $36 (1519%)

Insurance Median: $5 (211%)

Cash: $36 (1519% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5 (211% 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 211% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 111%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$1 - $31	42%
Cigna	$2 - $31	84%
Humana	$2 - $31	84%
Magnolia Health Plan – Wellcare By All Well Of Mississippi	$2 - $31	84%
Medicaid / KanCare	$2	84%
Medicare (plans)	$2 - $35	84%
Primewell Health Services Commercial Exchange Plan	$2 - $43	84%
Primewell Health Services – Commercial	$2 - $43	84%
Shared Health Mississippi	$2 - $32	84%
Ambetter / Centene	$3 - $31	127%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$3 - $42	127%
Aetna	$4 - $34	169%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$4 - $42	169%
Cor Vel	$4	169%
Prime Health Services Ppo -Workers Comp	$4	169%
Zelis	$5 - $40	211%
Select Administrative Services Network	$12 - $37	506%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$14 - $40	591%

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 $36.
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 Ochsner Watkins Hospital 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.