CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: UPMC St Margaret

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $43
Cash Discount Price: $91
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at UPMC St Margaret is $43. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $91. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 6.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 815 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$91

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$43

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: $91 (1358%)

Insurance Median: $43 (642%)

Cash: $91 (1358% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $43 (642% 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 642% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 542%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$6 - $8	90%
Aetna	$7 - $61	104%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$7 - $11	104%
Pa Health & Wellness	$7 - $12	104%
Upmc Work Partners	$7	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$8	119%
Amerihealth Caritas	$11	164%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13 - $60	194%
Cigna	$43 - $61	642%
Coventry/First Health	$106	1582%
Private Health Care Systems	$122	1821%
Selectcare	$122	1821%
Humana	$129	1925%

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 $91.
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 St Margaret 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.