CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $24
Cash Discount Price: $1,658
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital is $24. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,658. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 2.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 S Potomac St, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,658

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$24

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: $1,658 (19598%)

Insurance Median: $24 (284%)

Cash: $1,658 (19598% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $24 (284% 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 284% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 184%). 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	$5 - $1,061	59%
Aetna	$8 - $876	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8 - $1,227	95%
Bright Health	$8 - $498	95%
Devoted Health	$8	95%
Humana	$8	95%
Mutual Of Omaha	$8	95%
Rocky Mountain Health	$8	95%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$8	95%
Total Longterm Care	$8	95%
Triwest Health Alliance	$8	95%
United	$8 - $746	95%
Delaware Life Insurance	$9	106%
Kaiser	$9 - $589	106%
Wellcare	$9	106%
Pinnacol Workers Comp	$23	272%
Multiplan	$24 - $1,493	284%
Vail Health	$252	2979%
Colorado Program For Children With Special Needs	$696	8227%
Western Plains Community Health	$1,078	12742%
Northcare	$1,161	13723%
Physician Health Partners	$1,161	13723%
Medical Development International	$1,327	15686%
Prime Health	$1,493	17648%

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 $1,658.
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 The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital 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.