CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $20
Cash Discount Price: $438
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is $20. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $438. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 8.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$438

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$20

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$2.37

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $2.37 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $438 (18481%)

Insurance Median: $20 (844%)

Cash: $438 (18481% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $20 (844% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $2.37 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 844% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 744%). 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 Work Partners	$2	84%
Aetna	$3 - $4	127%
Amerihealth Caritas	$3 - $5	127%
Cigna	$3	127%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$3	127%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$3 - $5	127%
Multiplan	$3 - $584	127%
Pa Health & Wellness	$3 - $6	127%
UnitedHealthcare	$3 - $4	127%
Upmc Health Plan	$4 - $6	169%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5 - $20	211%
Geisinger	$5	211%
Preferred Healthcare System	$474	20000%
Coventry/First Health	$511	21561%
Fidelis	$548	23122%
Intergroup	$548 - $620	23122%
Health Coalition Partners	$584	24641%
Private Health Care Systems	$584	24641%
Selectcare	$584	24641%
Health Payors Organization	$620	26160%
Humana	$620	26160%

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 $438.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 85018.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 85018.
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.