CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $271
Cash Discount Price: $317
vs. Medicare Baseline: 32.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $271. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $317. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 32.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$317

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$271

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: $317 (3747%)

Insurance Median: $271 (3203%)

Cash: $317 (3747% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $271 (3203% 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 3203% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 3103%). 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
Aetna	$8 - $271	95%
Iowa Total Care	$8 - $9	95%
Molina Healthcare	$8	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$8 - $192	95%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$8 - $9	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $217	106%
Healthpartners	$9 - $385	106%
Immergrun	$113	1336%
Medical Associates	$226 - $243	2671%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$226 - $340	2671%
Midlands Choice	$238 - $294	2813%
Oscar Health	$285	3369%
Great River Health Systems	$294 - $317	3475%
Aplos Health Plan	$362	4279%
Sedgwick	$362	4279%
Global Excel	$385	4551%
Sanford Health Plan	$385	4551%
Sisco	$399	4716%
Employee Benefit Systems	$408	4823%
Healthsmart	$408	4823%
Hfn	$417	4929%
Multiplan	$417	4929%

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 $317.
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 University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down 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.