CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: Ochsner Choctaw General

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $12
Cash Discount Price: $21
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at Ochsner Choctaw General is $12. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $21. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 1.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 Vanity Fair Lane, Po Box 618, Butler, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$21

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$12

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$8.46

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $8.46 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $21 (248%)

Insurance Median: $12 (142%)

Cash: $21 (248% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $12 (142% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $8.46 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $15	47%
Humana	$6 - $12	71%
Cigna	$8 - $16	95%
Magnolia Health Plan – Wellcare By All Well Of Mississippi	$8 - $12	95%
Medicaid / KanCare	$8	95%
Medicare (plans)	$8 - $14	95%
Primewell Health Services Commercial Exchange Plan	$8 - $18	95%
Primewell Health Services – Commercial	$8 - $18	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $26	106%
Shared Health Mississippi	$9 - $13	106%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$10 - $22	118%
Cor Vel	$11 - $22	130%
Prime Health Services Ppo -Workers Comp	$11 - $22	130%
Ambetter / Centene	$12	142%
Aetna	$15 - $18	177%
Select Administrative Services Network	$19 - $32	225%
Zelis	$19 - $20	225%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$20 - $27	236%

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 $21.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80048.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Ochsner Choctaw General is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 80048.
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.