CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)

Facility: Penn State Health St. Joseph

Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83036
Insurance Median: $11
Cash Discount Price: $16
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c) at Penn State Health St. Joseph is $11. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $16. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $9.71, this hospital’s rate is 1.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2500 Bernville Road, Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$16

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$11

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: $16 (165%)

Insurance Median: $11 (113%)

Cash: $16 (165% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $11 (113% 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.

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
[Amerihealth Caritas]	$8 - $10	82%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$8 - $10	82%
[Geisinger]	$9 - $45	93%
[Health Partners Plans]	$9 - $10	93%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$9 - $10	93%
Aetna	$10 - $27	103%
Humana	$10	103%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $43	103%
[Cbc]	$10 - $33	103%
[Healthspring]	$10	103%
[Highmark]	$10 - $37	103%
[Ibc]	$10 - $31	103%
[Upmc]	$10 - $47	103%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$12	124%
Cigna	$28	288%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$29	299%
[Highmark Aca]	$31	319%
[Preferred Healthcare Systems]	$47	484%
[First Health]	$50	515%
[Multiplan]	$50	515%

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 $16.
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 Penn State Health St. Joseph 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.