Blood test, glucose (blood sugar)
Facility: Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 82947 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82947
- Insurance Median: $19
- Cash Discount Price: $20
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.83x 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 $3.93 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 483% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 383%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tricare | $14 - $29 | 356% |
| Aetna | $16 - $37 | 407% |
| Humana | $16 - $33 | 407% |
| Hpk-All Plans | $16 - $35 | 407% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $16 - $35 | 407% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $17 - $37 | 433% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 82947, representing a blood glucose test at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital in Medicine Lodge, KS, the facility's cash price is $20.00. This cash rate aligns exactly with the facility's own median paid amount of $19.00 and the median negotiated rate of $19.00, which is notably lower than the facility's gross charge of $20.00. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $20.00 upfront may be more cost-effective than using insurance, as commercial payers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated rates that average between $16.00 and $37.00 depending on the specific plan, often resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for the member after deductibles are met.
The facility's pricing is evaluated against the Medicare benchmark, which stands at $3.93 for this service. The cash price of $20.00 represents a significant markup relative to the federal government's fixed reimbursement rate, illustrating the difference between the true cost of care and the commercial rates charged. While the data does not provide specific state or county average comparisons for this exact code, patients are encouraged to verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network rates can vary widely. To potentially reduce costs, patients should inquire directly with the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can offer further reductions for upfront payments, and request an itemized bill to ensure no errors or unbundled charges are included in the final invoice.