CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 85018
  • Insurance Median: $44
  • Cash Discount Price: $48
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 18.57x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is $44. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $48. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 18.57x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$48

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$44

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: $48 (2025%)
Insurance Median: $44 (1857%)
Cash: $48 (2025% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $44 (1857% 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 1857% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1757%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 $2 - $71 84%
Cigna $2 - $77 84%
Humana $2 - $79 84%
UnitedHealthcare $2 - $49 84%
Alliance $3 - $25 127%
Amerihealth Caritas $3 - $21 127%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $3 - $56 127%
Carolina Complete Health $3 - $97 127%
Choicecare $3 - $72 127%
Healthy Blue $3 - $21 127%
Ortho Carolina $3 127%
Partners $3 - $21 127%
Trillium $3 - $23 127%
Vaya $3 - $22 127%
Wellcare $3 - $21 127%
Molina $4 169%
Sandhills $21 886%
Ambetter / Centene $28 - $46 1181%
Medcost $30 - $57 1266%
Employers Health Network $43 - $51 1814%
Physician Reach Out $48 2025%
Magellan $58 2447%
Gmmi $63 2658%
Quik Trip $63 2658%
Carolina Behavioral Health $70 - $77 2954%
First Health $77 - $85 3249%
Healthgram $77 3249%
Private Health Care Systems $77 - $79 3249%
Provider Select $78 - $87 3291%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care $79 3333%
Beechstreet $84 - $85 3544%
Multiplan $87 3671%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals