CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $10
Cash Discount Price: $85
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.49x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at UPMC Altoona is $10. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $85. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 1.49x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$85

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$10

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: $85 (1269%)

Insurance Median: $10 (149%)

Cash: $85 (1269% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $10 (149% 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.

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
Aetna	$7 - $75	104%
Amerihealth Caritas	$7 - $11	104%
Cbhnp	$7	104%
Cigna	$7 - $71	104%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$7	104%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$7 - $11	104%
Pa Health & Wellness	$7 - $12	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $73	104%
Upmc Health Plan	$7 - $29	104%
Upmc Work Partners	$7	104%
Geisinger	$10 - $78	149%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13	194%
Preferred Healthcare System	$71	1060%
Private Health Care Systems	$114	1701%

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 $85.
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 UPMC Altoona 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.