Blood test, calcium
Facility: Jewell County Hospital
Billing Code: 82310 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82310
- Insurance Median: $41
- Cash Discount Price: $35
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.95x 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 $5.16 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 795% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 695%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Carriers - All Plans | $27 - $53 | 523% |
| Meritain - All Plans | $28 - $56 | 543% |
| Aetna | $28 - $56 | 543% |
| Cigna | $30 - $59 | 581% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $30 - $59 | 581% |
| Midlands Choice - All Plans | $30 - $59 | 581% |
| First Health - All Plans | $30 - $59 | 581% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood calcium test (CPT 82310) at Jewell County Hospital in Mankato, KS, the facility's cash price is $35.00, which is lower than the state average of $41.00. While the hospital's negotiated rates with major payers like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare range from $30 to $59, these amounts often exceed the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the $35.00 cash rate directly, as the insurance negotiated rates can sometimes be significantly higher. To maximize savings, it is recommended to contact the hospital directly to confirm if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available, as these upfront payment options can further reduce the final cost.
The facility's Medicare benchmark rate is $5.16, and the commercial negotiated rates are approximately 800% higher than this federal baseline, indicating a substantial markup relative to the true cost of care. Although the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, patients should still request a detailed, itemized bill to ensure no unbundled charges or services not rendered are included. If a discrepancy is found, a formal written audit dispute should be sent to the billing supervisor rather than accepting a summary bill or settling verbally. Always verify your specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as paying the cash rate may be necessary if your insurance has not yet covered the service.