Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: Stafford County Hospital
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $89
- Cash Discount Price: $94
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.53x 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 653% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 553%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $13 | 95% |
| Va Ccn-All Plans | $13 | 95% |
| Health Partners-All Plans | $89 | 653% |
| Humana | $94 | 690% |
| Medica Mcr- All Plans | $94 | 690% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for ferritin (iron stores) at Stafford County Hospital, the cash price is $94.00, which matches the facility's negotiated rate with all five listed payers, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Health Partners. This cash price is significantly higher than the state average for this service, which is $90.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital in Stafford, KS, and is government-owned, the lack of a negotiated discount for cash payers means patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the full $94.00 upfront more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which could result in a higher allowed amount. Patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as paying the cash price directly avoids potential out-of-pocket costs that exceed the negotiated rate.
If you choose to use insurance, be aware that the facility's negotiated rate of $94.00 is substantially higher than the Medicare benchmark of $13.63, indicating a significant markup relative to the federal cost baseline. Although the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to request an itemized bill to ensure no unexpected charges for ancillary services appear. Before finalizing payment, ask the billing department about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if settled within 30 days, effectively lowering the $94.00 price point. Always dispute any summary bills that do not break down individual CPT codes, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors that can be corrected through a formal written audit.