CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $417
Cash Discount Price: $611
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at UPMC Mercy is $417. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $611. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 0.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$611

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$417

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: $611 (136%)

Insurance Median: $417 (93%)

Cash: $611 (136% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $417 (93% 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
Upmc Health Plan	$31 - $428	7%
UnitedHealthcare	$32	7%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$41 - $450	9%
Amerihealth Caritas	$44 - $450	10%
Pa Health & Wellness	$47 - $450	10%
Upmc Work Partners	$90	20%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$130 - $510	29%
Aetna	$284 - $458	63%
Cigna	$346 - $611	77%
Bravo	$356	79%
Coventry/First Health	$448	99%
Intergroup	$509 - $814	113%
Private Health Care Systems	$764	170%
American Healthcare Group	$814	181%
National Provider Network	$835	185%
Health Payors Organization	$916	203%
Multiplan	$916	203%

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 $611.
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 UPMC Mercy 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.