CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $32
Cash Discount Price: $44
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.50x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham is $32. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $44. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 13.50x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 Medical Parkway, Brenham, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$44

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$32

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: $44 (1857%)

Insurance Median: $32 (1350%)

Cash: $44 (1857% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $32 (1350% 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 1350% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1250%). 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
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan	$9 - $32	380%
UnitedHealthcare	$9	380%
American Health Plan	$10	422%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $14	422%
Corvel	$10	422%
Healthspring	$10	422%
Prime Health Services	$10	422%
Procare Advantage	$10	422%
Superior Health Plan	$10	422%
Triwest	$10	422%
Careworks Fka Rockport	$12	506%
Injury Management Organization	$12	506%
Sedgwick	$12	506%
Cigna	$38 - $45	1603%
Aetna	$41	1730%
Midcoast	$41	1730%
Quiktrip	$41	1730%
University Of Mary Hardin-Baylor	$43	1814%
Independent Medical System	$44	1857%
Imagine Health	$46	1941%
Curative	$48	2025%
First Health	$52	2194%
Healthsmart	$52 - $56	2194%
Humana	$52 - $59	2194%
Private Health Care System	$56	2363%
Bluebell Creameries	$67	2827%

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 $44.
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 Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham 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.