CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $543
Cash Discount Price: $660
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $543. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $660. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 1.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$660

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$543

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$450.73

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $450.73 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $660 (146%)

Insurance Median: $543 (120%)

Cash: $660 (146% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $543 (120% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $450.73 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
UnitedHealthcare	$211 - $550	47%
Cigna	$402 - $605	89%
Humana	$410 - $880	91%
Wellcare	$414	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$422 - $543	94%
Devoted Health	$422	94%
Gateway	$422	94%
Longevity Healthcare	$422	94%
Liberty Advantage	$426	95%
Troy	$426	95%
Medcost	$550 - $754	122%
Directnet	$660	146%
Aetna	$670	149%
Prime Health Service	$825	183%
Caresource North Carolina	$905	201%
Multiplan	$935	207%

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 $660.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 36430.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Catawba Valley Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 36430.
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.