CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $59
Cash Discount Price: $73
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast is $59. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $73. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 8.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 920 Church St N, Concord, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$73

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$59

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6.7

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6.7 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $73 (1090%)

Insurance Median: $59 (881%)

Cash: $73 (1090% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $59 (881% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.7 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 881% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 781%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$6 - $52	90%
Aetna	$7 - $89	104%
Choicecare	$7 - $120	104%
Cigna	$7 - $117	104%
Humana	$7	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $65	104%
Alliance	$8 - $19	119%
Amerihealth Caritas	$8 - $18	119%
Carolina Complete Health	$8 - $18	119%
Healthy Blue	$8 - $18	119%
Ortho Carolina	$8	119%
Partners	$8 - $18	119%
Trillium	$8 - $19	119%
Vaya	$8 - $18	119%
Wellcare	$8 - $18	119%
Medcost	$15 - $110	224%
Ambetter / Centene	$42 - $53	627%
Employers Health Network	$65 - $77	970%
Physician Reach Out	$73	1090%
Magellan	$88	1313%
Gmmi	$95	1418%
Quik Trip	$95	1418%
Carolina Behavioral Health	$105 - $117	1567%
Healthgram	$117	1746%
Private Health Care Systems	$117	1746%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care	$120	1791%
First Health	$124	1851%
Beechstreet	$131	1955%
Multiplan	$139	2075%

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 $73.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83735.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 83735.
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.