CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: PAM Specialty Hospital of San Antonio Medical Center

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $119
Cash Discount Price: $159
vs. Medicare Baseline: 50.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at PAM Specialty Hospital of San Antonio Medical Center is $119. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $159. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 50.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8902 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$159

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$119

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: $159 (6709%)

Insurance Median: $119 (5021%)

Cash: $159 (6709% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $119 (5021% 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 5021% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 4921%). 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	$2	84%
America'S Choice	$111	4684%
Provider Network Of America	$119	5021%
Quik Trip	$119	5021%
Usa Mco	$119	5021%
Velocity Provider Ppo Network	$119	5021%
Evolutions Healthcare System	$127	5359%
Multiplan/Phcs	$127	5359%
Fortified Provider Network	$135	5696%
Prime Health Services	$135	5696%
Medincrease	$143	6034%

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 $159.
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 PAM Specialty Hospital of San Antonio Medical Center 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.