CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: Grossmont Hospital

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82728
Insurance Median: $93
Cash Discount Price: $109
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at Grossmont Hospital is $93. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $109. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 6.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5555 Grossmont Center Drive Box 58, La Mesa, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$109

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$93

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.63

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.63 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $109 (800%)

Insurance Median: $93 (682%)

Cash: $109 (800% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $93 (682% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.63 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 682% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 582%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20 - $116	147%
Aetna	$41 - $93	301%
Health Net	$41 - $109	301%
UnitedHealthcare	$41 - $142	301%
Cigna	$43 - $95	315%
Community Health Group	$43 - $142	315%
Molina	$43 - $99	315%
Managed Health Network	$49	360%
Blue Shield	$70 - $24,721	514%
Epic Americas	$70	514%
Humana	$80	587%
Medi-Cal	$80	587%
County Medical Services	$88	646%
Indian Health Council	$93	682%
Multiplan	$93	682%
California Health And Wellness	$95	697%
Kaiser	$96	704%
Allianz Global Assistance	$97	712%
Interplan	$102	748%
San Diego Pace	$142	1042%

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 $109.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82728.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Grossmont Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 82728.
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.