CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Samaritan Medical Center

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $91
Cash Discount Price: $204
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.58x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Samaritan Medical Center is $91. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $204. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 13.58x the Medicare baseline. Located in 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$204

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$91

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: $204 (3045%)

Insurance Median: $91 (1358%)

Cash: $204 (3045% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $91 (1358% 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 1358% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1258%). 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
Excellus	$6 - $31	90%
Aetna	$7 - $222	104%
Capital District Physician'S Health Plan, Inc (Cdphp)	$7 - $209	104%
Fidelis	$7 - $8	104%
Mvp	$7 - $176	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $222	104%
Wellcare	$7	104%
Ghi Emblem	$110 - $196	1642%

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 $204.
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 Samaritan Medical Center 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.