Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: Holton Community Hospital
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $79
- Cash Discount Price: $72
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.80x 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 580% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 480%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $51 | 374% |
| Aetna | $51 - $96 | 374% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $51 - $96 | 374% |
| Kansas Superior Select - All Plans | $52 | 382% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $53 | 389% |
| Preferred Health Fn Select - All Other Plans | $79 | 580% |
| Preferred Health Professionals | $79 | 580% |
| Preferred Health Freedom | $79 | 580% |
| Wppa Providers - All Plans | $91 | 668% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $96 | 704% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for ferritin (iron stores) at Holton Community Hospital in Holton, Kansas, the facility's cash median price of $72.00 is lower than the state average of $96.00, making it a potentially cost-effective option for patients paying out-of-pocket. While the hospital's negotiated rates with commercial insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare range from $51 to $96, these amounts are often higher than the cash price due to administrative overhead and contract structures. If you have a high-deductible plan, paying the $72.00 cash rate upfront could save you money compared to your insurance's negotiated rate, provided you have not yet met your deductible. It is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as some in-network contracts may exceed the cash price.
Patients should proactively ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% when paid in full before or shortly after the service, bypassing costly insurance claims processing. Additionally, this service is benchmarked against Medicare at $13.63, indicating that the facility's pricing reflects standard market rates rather than inflated chargemaster lists. To ensure you are receiving the best possible price, request a detailed itemized bill that lists every specific CPT code and unit cost, as summary bills often hide errors or unbundled charges. If you receive a balance bill for out-of-network ancillary services, you may be entitled to protections under the No Surprises Act, which prevents providers from charging you the difference between their full rate and your insurance's allowed amount.