CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, sodium

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 84295 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84295
Insurance Median: $43
Cash Discount Price: $50
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, sodium at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $43. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $50. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.81, this hospital’s rate is 8.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$50

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$43

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$4.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $50 (1040%)

Insurance Median: $43 (894%)

Cash: $50 (1040% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $43 (894% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.81 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 894% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 794%). 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	$5 - $43	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5 - $34	104%
Healthpartners	$5 - $60	104%
Iowa Total Care	$5	104%
Molina Healthcare	$5	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$5 - $32	104%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$5	104%
Immergrun	$18	374%
Medical Associates	$30 - $36	624%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$36 - $53	748%
Midlands Choice	$37 - $46	769%
Oscar Health	$45	936%
Great River Health Systems	$46 - $50	956%
Aplos Health Plan	$57	1185%
Sedgwick	$57	1185%
Global Excel	$60	1247%
Sanford Health Plan	$60	1247%
Sisco	$62	1289%
Employee Benefit Systems	$64	1331%
Healthsmart	$64	1331%
Hfn	$65	1351%
Multiplan	$65	1351%

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 $50.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84295.

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 84295.
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.