Blood test, basic metabolic panel
Facility: Kansas Medical Center Llc
Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 80048
- Insurance Median: $8
- Cash Discount Price: $36
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.95x 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 $8.46 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 |
|---|---|---|
| United | $5 | 59% |
| Humana | $8 | 95% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $8 | 95% |
| Indian Health | $8 | 95% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $8 | 95% |
| Medadv_Wellcare | $8 | 95% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $8 - $11 | 95% |
| Three_Rivers | $17 | 201% |
| Wppa | $23 - $25 | 272% |
| Aetna | $27 | 319% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, basic metabolic panel (CPT 80048) at Kansas Medical Center Llc in Andover, KS, the facility's cash median price is $36.00, which is lower than the state average of $48.00. While commercial insurance plans like United and Humana negotiate rates that typically cap the cost, these negotiated amounts often exceed the cash price due to administrative overhead and contract structures. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash rate of $36.00 upfront can be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which may result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the deductible has not yet been met.
The facility's negotiated rates average $8.00, which aligns closely with the Medicare benchmark of $8.46, indicating a pricing structure that is fair relative to federal standards. However, patients should be aware that balance billing can occur if out-of-network services are rendered, though the No Surprises Act protects against surprise bills for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. To minimize costs, patients are encouraged to request a prompt-pay discount before scheduling, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full within 30 days. Always verify the specific allowed amount with your insurer and request an itemized bill to ensure no errors or unbundled charges are included.