CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $13
Cash Discount Price: $18
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Duke University Hospital is $13. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $18. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 1.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$18

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$13

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: $18 (269%)

Insurance Median: $13 (194%)

Cash: $18 (269% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $13 (194% 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.

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
Aetna	$6 - $56	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7 - $50	104%
Cigna	$7 - $99	104%
Humana	$7 - $84	104%
Liberty	$7	104%
Troy Health	$7	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $97	104%
Voans	$7	104%
Alliance Health	$8 - $15	119%
Amerihealth	$8 - $25	119%
Carolina Complete Health	$8 - $25	119%
Partners	$8	119%
Trillium	$8 - $15	119%
Medcost	$13 - $42	194%
Sentara	$19 - $62	284%

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 $18.
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 Duke University Hospital 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.