CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $53
Cash Discount Price: $67
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is $53. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $67. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 7.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in One Children's Hospital Drive, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$67

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$53

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: $67 (1000%)

Insurance Median: $53 (791%)

Cash: $67 (1000% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $53 (791% 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 791% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 691%). 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
Aetna	$6 - $62	90%
Amerihealth Caritas	$7 - $27	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7 - $55	104%
Cigna	$7 - $62	104%
Health Plan Of Upper Ohio Valley	$7 - $73	104%
Upmc Health Plan	$17 - $33	254%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$28	418%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$29	433%
Pa Health & Wellness	$29	433%
UnitedHealthcare	$29 - $53	433%
Geisinger	$30 - $50	448%
Intergroup	$73 - $95	1090%
Coventry/First Health	$90	1343%
Saudi Armed Forces	$90	1343%
Health Payors Organization	$95	1418%
Multiplan	$95	1418%
National Provider Network	$101	1507%
Private Health Care Systems	$101	1507%

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 $67.
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 Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh 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.