CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)

Facility: CHI Mercy Health

Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83036
Insurance Median: $81
Cash Discount Price: $56
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c) at CHI Mercy Health is $81. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $56. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $9.71, this hospital’s rate is 8.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 570 Chautauqua Blvd, Valley City, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$56

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$81

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$9.71

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $9.71 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $56 (577%)

Insurance Median: $81 (834%)

Cash: $56 (577% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $81 (834% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $9.71 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 834% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 734%). 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	$10 - $43	103%
Medica	$10 - $97	103%
United	$61 - $84	628%
Sanford Health Plan	$69 - $83	711%
Health Partners	$81 - $97	834%
Multiplan	$81 - $98	834%

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 $56.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 83036.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm CHI Mercy Health is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 83036.
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.