CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, sodium

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 84295 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84295
Insurance Median: $27
Cash Discount Price: $32
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, sodium 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 $4.81, this hospital’s rate is 5.61x 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

$4.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $32 (665%)

Insurance Median: $27 (561%)

Cash: $32 (665% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $27 (561% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.81 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 561% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 461%). 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 - $54	83%
Aetna	$5 - $52	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5	104%
Cooper Green	$5	104%
Humana	$5 - $64	104%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$5	104%
Triwest	$5	104%
United Mine Workers	$5	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$5	104%
Viva	$6 - $38	125%
Ambetter / Centene	$7	146%
Beech Street	$10 - $52	208%
One Health Plan	$10 - $49	208%
Phcs	$10 - $52	208%
Geha	$11 - $52	229%
Healthchoice	$11 - $52	229%
Alamed	$13 - $59	270%
Construction Claims Management	$13 - $61	270%
Corvel	$13 - $68	270%
Multiplan	$13 - $62	270%
Novanet	$13 - $63	270%
Department Of Labor	$14 - $65	291%
Heritage Summit Health	$14 - $65	291%
Pnoa	$14 - $68	291%
Three Rivers	$14 - $68	291%

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: 84295.

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 84295.
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.