CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, potassium

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84132
Insurance Median: $30
Cash Discount Price: $46
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, potassium at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $30. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $46. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.76, this hospital’s rate is 6.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$46

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$30

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$4.76

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.76 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $46 (966%)

Insurance Median: $30 (630%)

Cash: $46 (966% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $30 (630% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.76 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 630% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 530%). 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	$4 - $50	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5 - $109	105%
Healthlink [125]	$11 - $54	231%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$14 - $98	294%
Beechstreet [176]	$18 - $87	378%
First Health Plan [6034]	$18 - $89	378%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$18 - $109	378%
UnitedHealthcare	$22 - $109	462%

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 $46.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84132.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84132.
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.