CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: Kern Valley Healthcare District

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $170
Cash Discount Price: $158
vs. Medicare Baseline: 20.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at Kern Valley Healthcare District is $170. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $158. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 20.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6412 Laurel Ave, Lake Isabella, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$158

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$170

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: $158 (1868%)

Insurance Median: $170 (2009%)

Cash: $158 (1868% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $170 (2009% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 2009% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1909%). 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
Medi-Cal	$10	118%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$25	296%
Healthnet (Aim)	$40 - $65	473%
Healthnet Mcal	$40 - $65	473%
UnitedHealthcare	$90 - $146	1064%
Healthnet Med Adv	$105 - $170	1241%
Humana	$105 - $170	1241%
Brand New Day - All Plans	$120 - $194	1418%
Tricare	$351 - $567	4149%
Aetna	$382 - $616	4515%
Healthnet- All Other Plans	$397 - $640	4693%
Cigna	$427 - $688	5047%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$502 - $810	5934%

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 $158.
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 Kern Valley Healthcare District 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.