What Is a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A complete blood count measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. It's one of the most commonly ordered blood tests in medicine.
When Is It Ordered?
Doctors typically order this test for: routine checkups, fatigue, infections, anemia screening, or monitoring during treatment.
How Long Does It Take?
5 minutes (blood draw).
How to Prepare
Usually no fasting required. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
How to Save on a CBC
- Use direct-to-consumer lab services like Quest or Labcorp's online ordering. A CBC costs $6-$15 without insurance.
- Ask your doctor to send labs to an independent lab instead of the hospital's in-house laboratory.
- Hospital labs charge facility fees on top of the test itself. The same blood draw at a freestanding lab avoids this markup entirely.
- Cash pay programs at national lab chains often beat insurance prices. Always ask.
Compare CBC Prices Near You — — Live!
We're building a tool to compare real cbc prices at hospitals near your zip code.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
| Price Type | Amount | Who Pays This |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare rate (facility) | $8 | Medicare beneficiaries (65+, disabled) |
| Medicare rate (non-facility) | $8 | Outpatient/office setting |
| Low cash/negotiated | $20 | Self-pay with negotiation |
| Typical price | $56 | Average insured patient |
| High end | $194 | Out-of-network or no negotiation |
| Gross charge (sticker) | $647 | The "rack rate" nobody should pay |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CBC cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a CBC typically costs between $20 and $194, depending on your location and facility. The wide range exists because hospitals set their own prices — there's no standard rate. Always ask for the "self-pay" or "cash pay" price, which is often significantly lower than the listed price.
Why is there such a big price difference between hospitals?
Hospital pricing in the US has historically been opaque. Prices vary based on location (urban vs. rural), facility type (academic medical center vs. community hospital), negotiated insurance rates, and how much the hospital can charge. The same CBC performed with the same equipment can cost 5-10x more at one facility vs. another in the same city.
What does Medicare pay for a CBC?
Medicare pays $8 for a CBC (facility rate). This isn't the "true cost" of the procedure — it's the rate the federal government has negotiated as the largest payer in America. Hospitals claim they lose money at Medicare rates and make up the difference by charging more to private insurance and uninsured patients. The actual cost is likely somewhere between Medicare's rate and what hospitals charge.
Does insurance cover a CBC?
Most insurance plans cover a CBC when it's medically necessary (ordered by a doctor for a valid clinical reason). However, you may still owe a copay, coinsurance, or need to meet your deductible first. Always check with your insurance before the procedure and get pre-authorization if required.
How can I find the cheapest CBC near me?
Call 3-5 facilities in your area and ask for their "cash pay" or "self-pay" rate for CPT code 85025. Compare hospital outpatient departments with ambulatory surgery centers and independent clinics. We're building a comparison tool that will make this easier — sign up above to get notified.