CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, creatinine (kidney)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 82565 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82565
Insurance Median: $11
Cash Discount Price: $10
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, creatinine (kidney) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $11. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $5.12, this hospital’s rate is 2.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$11

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$5.12

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $5.12 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $10 (195%)

Insurance Median: $11 (215%)

Cash: $10 (195% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $11 (215% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $5.12 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 215% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 115%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$6 - $13	117%
Champus	$6 - $7	117%
Champva	$6 - $7	117%
Health Partners	$6 - $13	117%
Medicare (plans)	$6 - $13	117%
UnitedHealthcare	$6 - $13	117%
Wellcare	$6 - $13	117%
American Postal Workers	$9 - $10	176%
Avera	$9 - $11	176%
Cigna	$10 - $12	195%
Aetna	$11 - $13	215%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$11 - $13	215%
First Administrators	$11 - $13	215%
Golden Rule	$11 - $13	215%
Great West	$11 - $13	215%
Healthscope	$11 - $13	215%
Humana	$11 - $13	215%
Iowa Health Advantage	$11 - $13	215%
Medical Associates	$11 - $13	215%
Meritain	$11 - $13	215%
Midlands Choice	$11 - $13	215%
Wellpoint	$11 - $13	215%

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 $10.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82565.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 82565.
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.