CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood transfusion

Facility: Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital

Billing Code: 36430 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 36430
Insurance Median: $998
Cash Discount Price: $474
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood transfusion at Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital is $998. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $474. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $450.73, this hospital’s rate is 2.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 17080 Red Oak Drive, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$474

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$998

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$450.73

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $450.73 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $474 (105%)

Insurance Median: $998 (221%)

Cash: $474 (105% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $998 (221% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $450.73 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 221% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 121%). 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
Oscar Health Plan	$51 - $3,824	11%
Ambetter / Centene	$59 - $4,848	13%
Health Net	$70 - $1,151	16%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$609 - $718	135%
Humana	$655 - $1,016	145%
Aetna	$981 - $2,761	218%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,031	451%
Cigna	$2,997 - $5,394	665%

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 $474.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 36430.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 36430.
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.