Blood test, potassium
Facility: Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital, Llc
Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84132
- Insurance Median: $5
- Cash Discount Price: $34
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.05x 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 $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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $5 - $6 | 105% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $5 - $6 | 105% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $5 | 105% |
| United Mine Workers Of America | $5 | 105% |
| Providrs Care Network | $5 | 105% |
| Humana | $5 | 105% |
| Lantern Specialty Care | $8 | 168% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
This price transparency report details the billing for CPT code 84132, a blood test for potassium, at Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital, Llc in Wichita, KS. The facility's gross charge is $52.00, while the cash median price is $34.00. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $34.00 may be more cost-effective than using insurance, as the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield range between $5.00 and $6.00, which often exceed the cash price. However, patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status and ask the hospital directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fee reductions can further lower the final cost.
When evaluating the facility's pricing, it is important to compare rates against objective benchmarks rather than the hospital's inflated list price. The Medicare amount for this service is $4.76, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of delivery. The facility's cash rate of $34.00 represents a significant markup over the Medicare benchmark, illustrating how commercial rates can differ substantially from federal standards. Additionally, while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, patients should still request an itemized bill to ensure no unbundled charges or services not rendered are included. Always dispute any unexpected bills in writing to avoid credit damage and confirm that all charges align with the negotiated or cash rates provided.