CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Dell Seton Med Center at the University of Tx

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $14
Cash Discount Price: $120
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Dell Seton Med Center at the University of Tx is $14. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $120. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 2.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 601 E 15Th Street, Austin, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$120

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$14

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: $120 (1791%)

Insurance Median: $14 (209%)

Cash: $120 (1791% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $14 (209% 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 209% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 109%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$6 - $8	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$6 - $32	90%
Dell Chip/Chip Perinate	$6 - $14	90%
Dell Star	$6 - $14	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$6 - $14	90%
Wellpoint Chip/Chip Perinate	$6 - $7	90%
Wellpoint Star Kids	$6	90%
Wellpoint Star Plus	$6 - $14	90%
Wellpoint Star	$7 - $14	104%
Champva	$8 - $9	119%
Humana	$11	164%
Cigna	$16	239%
Seton Performance Plus	$16	239%
Aetna	$18 - $50	269%
Covenant Health	$37	552%
Superior Star	$134	2000%
Superior Star Foster	$134	2000%
Superior Star Kids	$134	2000%
Superior Star Plus	$134	2000%
Superior Chip/Chip Perinate	$150	2239%

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 $120.
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 Dell Seton Med Center at the University of Tx 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.