CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, potassium

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84132
Insurance Median: $27
Cash Discount Price: $32
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.67x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, potassium at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $27. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $32. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.76, this hospital’s rate is 5.67x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$32

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$27

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$4.76

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.76 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $32 (672%)

Insurance Median: $27 (567%)

Cash: $32 (672% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $27 (567% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.76 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 567% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 467%). 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
Cigna	$4 - $71	84%
Aetna	$5 - $69	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5	105%
Cooper Green	$5	105%
Humana	$5 - $83	105%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$5	105%
Triwest	$5	105%
United Mine Workers	$5	105%
UnitedHealthcare	$5	105%
Viva	$5 - $49	105%
Ambetter / Centene	$7	147%
Beech Street	$9 - $69	189%
Phcs	$9 - $69	189%
Geha	$10 - $69	210%
Healthchoice	$10 - $69	210%
One Health Plan	$10 - $64	210%
Alamed	$12 - $77	252%
Construction Claims Management	$12 - $79	252%
Corvel	$12 - $88	252%
Multiplan	$12 - $80	252%
Department Of Labor	$13 - $85	273%
Heritage Summit Health	$13 - $85	273%
Novanet	$13 - $82	273%
Pnoa	$14 - $88	294%
Three Rivers	$14 - $88	294%

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 $32.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84132.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84132.
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.