Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: Pratt Regional Medical Center
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $100
- Cash Discount Price: $80
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.34x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.63 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 734% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 634%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Health Aid | $86 | 631% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $95 - $116 | 697% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $97 | 712% |
| Aetna | $103 | 756% |
| Choicecare | $114 | 836% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for ferritin (iron stores) at Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, KS, the cash price is $80.00, which is lower than the facility's gross charge of $114.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna range from $95 to $116, these amounts often exceed the cash price, meaning self-pay patients could save money by paying directly. The facility's cash rate is also notably lower than the state average, though specific county averages were not provided in this data. Patients with high-deductible plans should consider paying the cash price upfront, as it avoids the administrative costs and potential higher negotiated rates that insurance billing can incur.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is important to request an itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices can hide errors or unbundled charges. If you receive a balance bill from an out-of-network provider, such as for emergency services or ancillary lab work, the No Surprises Act may protect you from paying the difference between the provider's full rate and your insurance allowed amount. Additionally, ask the hospital about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce your bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full within 30 days, bypassing the slower insurance claims process. Always verify your deductible status and request a self-pay classification at registration to secure the best possible rate for this service.