CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel)

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 80061 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80061
Insurance Median: $69
Cash Discount Price: $127
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, cholesterol (lipid panel) at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $69. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $127. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.39, this hospital’s rate is 5.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$127

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$69

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.39

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.39 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $127 (948%)

Insurance Median: $69 (515%)

Cash: $127 (948% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $69 (515% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.39 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 515% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 415%). 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	$13 - $173	97%
Iowa Total Care	$13 - $14	97%
Molina Healthcare	$13	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$13 - $122	97%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$13 - $14	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14 - $138	105%
Healthpartners	$14 - $245	105%
Immergrun	$19 - $72	142%
Medical Associates	$38 - $144	284%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$38 - $216	284%
Midlands Choice	$39 - $187	291%
Oscar Health	$47 - $181	351%
Great River Health Systems	$49 - $202	366%
Aplos Health Plan	$60 - $230	448%
Sedgwick	$60 - $230	448%
Global Excel	$64 - $245	478%
Sanford Health Plan	$64 - $245	478%
Sisco	$66 - $253	493%
Employee Benefit Systems	$68 - $259	508%
Healthsmart	$68 - $259	508%
Hfn	$69 - $265	515%
Multiplan	$69 - $265	515%

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 $127.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80061.

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 80061.
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.