CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, magnesium

Facility: Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood

Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 83735
Insurance Median: $252
Cash Discount Price: $341
vs. Medicare Baseline: 37.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, magnesium at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood is $252. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $341. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6.7, this hospital’s rate is 37.61x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 Burnet Dr, Brownwood, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$341

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$252

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: $341 (5090%)

Insurance Median: $252 (3761%)

Cash: $341 (5090% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $252 (3761% 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 3761% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 3661%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $155	104%
Firstcare Star	$10	149%
Superior Health Plan	$11	164%
Wellpoint	$11	164%
Ambetter / Centene	$15	224%
Healthsmart	$239	3567%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$242 - $287	3612%
Aetna	$290	4328%
Private Healthcare Systems	$304	4537%
Multiplan	$307	4582%

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 $341.
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 Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood 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.