CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c)

Facility: Aurora Medical Center

Billing Code: 83036 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 83036
  • Insurance Median: $34
  • Cash Discount Price: $55
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.50x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, average blood sugar (A1c) at Aurora Medical Center is $34. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $55. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $9.71, this hospital’s rate is 3.50x the Medicare baseline. Located in 975 Port Washington Road, Grafton, WI.
Cash / Self-Pay
$55

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$34

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate
$9.71

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $9.71 (100%)
Cash / Self-Pay: $55 (566%)
Insurance Median: $34 (350%)
Cash: $55 (566% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $34 (350% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $9.71 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 350% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 250%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 $8 - $139 82%
Aurora Caregiver $10 103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $10 - $140 103%
Common Ground $20 - $21 206%
Centivo $21 216%
Aetna $22 - $136 227%
Health Payment Systems $24 247%
Quartz One $24 247%
Healthpartners $26 - $124 268%
Hs Technology $27 278%
Molina Exchange $27 278%
Quartz Group $28 288%
Cigna $29 - $140 299%
Everpointe Elite $29 299%
Wisconsin Physician Service $31 - $33 319%
Health Eos Plus $33 - $99 340%
Trilogy $34 350%
Health Eos $44 - $132 453%

Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary

For patients paying cash, the most important fact to know immediately is that the cash rate for this blood test procedure is $55, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $110. If you have a high-deductible plan or have met your deductible, paying this $55 upfront could be more cost-effective than using insurance, as some commercial negotiated rates for this service can exceed $139. While the facility is a voluntary non-profit private hospital in Grafton, Wisconsin, with a 5-star rating, patients should explicitly ask for "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling to ensure they receive the lowest possible cash price and avoid unnecessary administrative fees.

The broader pricing context shows that the $55 cash rate is substantially lower than the facility's gross charge, but it is important to compare this against state and county averages to understand market positioning. While the facility's gross rate is $110, the median negotiated rate for in-network insurance is $34, and the Medicare amount for this procedure is $9.71. Because Medicare rates represent the federal government's baseline for the true cost of care, commercial rates are often marked up significantly above this benchmark. To avoid balance billing, patients should verify their network status and request an itemized bill to ensure no unexpected charges are applied, especially since federal protections under the No Surprises Act may limit out-of-network billing at in-network facilities.

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 975 Port Washington Road, Grafton, WI 53024
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★★
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals