How Much Does Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential Cost?
Also known as: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated (CPT 85025)
A common blood test that measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to check your overall health.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential (CPT 85025) costs $8 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A healthcare worker draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Results are typically available within hours to a day.
How Long Does It Take?
5 minutes for the blood draw, results in hours
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Annual physical, anemia check, infection screening, pre-surgery testing, fatigue evaluation
How to Prepare
Usually no fasting required. Stay hydrated to make the blood draw easier. Inform staff if you feel faint with blood draws.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated
What Insurance Companies Actually Pay
Real negotiated rates from 15 hospitals across 6 states (from hospital price transparency filings)
| Insurance Company | Avg Rate | Range | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $71 | $8 - $227 | 9 |
| United | $12 | $7 - $126 | 10 |
| Cigna | $32 | $4 - $188 | 9 |
| Humana | $47 | $8 - $174 | 10 |
| BCBS | $15 | $7 - $25 | 4 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $14 | $8 - $25 | 5 |
| Bright Health | $8 | $8 - $13 | 4 |
| Superior Health Plan | $8 | $8 - $12 | 3 |
| Cigna HealthSpring | $8 | $8 | 4 |
| WellCare | $8 | $8 | 4 |
| BCBS-TX | $27 | $11 - $40 | 2 |
| Provider Partners Health Plan of Texas | $8 | $8 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated is $8. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.