Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel
Facility: University Of Ks Hlth System Great Bend Campus
Billing Code: 80053 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 80053
- Insurance Median: $89
- Cash Discount Price: $30
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.43x 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 $10.56 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 843% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 743%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wppa [503200056] | $20 - $204 | 189% |
| Alt Wppa [5032000964] | $20 - $204 | 189% |
| Meritain Health [503200039] | $20 - $291 | 189% |
| Alt Carelon Behavioral Health [503200905] | $24 - $242 | 227% |
| Aetna | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| Allied National [503999937] | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| First Health [5032000110] | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| Aha-Healthcare Preferred [503200050] | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| Alt Meritain Health [503999911] | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| National Assn Letter Carriers [503200019] | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| Php [503200005] | $29 - $291 | 275% |
| Cigna | $29 - $388 | 275% |
| Correct Care Solutions [50311253] | $34 - $340 | 322% |
| Workers Comp [503999901] | $41 - $412 | 388% |
| Usa Managed Care [503999030] | $43 - $436 | 407% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this comprehensive metabolic panel at the University of KS Health System Great Bend Campus, the facility's cash price of $30.00 is significantly lower than the median negotiated rate of $89.00 paid by insurance plans. While the facility's negotiated rate of $89.00 aligns with the state average for this service, the cash price remains the most affordable option available. Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find it beneficial to pay the cash price directly, as it avoids the administrative fees and higher negotiated rates that commercial payers like Cigna and Aetna apply. To secure this lower rate, patients should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling their visit and ensure they sign a waiver preventing the hospital from submitting a claim to their insurance.
The facility's billing practices are transparent when compared to federal benchmarks, with the cash price of $30.00 representing a substantial discount relative to the Medicare amount of $10.56 and the gross charge of $148.00. Although the cash price is higher than the Medicare rate, it is far below the commercial negotiated rates, which can sometimes exceed 200% of the Medicare amount due to administrative costs. If a patient receives an itemized bill that includes unexpected charges or double-billing, they should request a full line-by-line audit before paying, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors. Consumers are advised to dispute any balance bills immediately in writing, citing the No Surprises Act if out-of-network services were involved, rather than accepting summary invoices or verbal assurances from billing staff.