Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: Hospital District #6 Patterson Health Center
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $118
- Cash Discount Price: $105
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.66x 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 866% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 766%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $50 - $53 | 367% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $118 - $131 | 866% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $229 | 1680% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for ferritin (iron stores) at Hospital District #6 Patterson Health Center in Anthony, KS, the facility's cash median price is $105.00, which is lower than the state average of $118.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare range from $50 to $131, these amounts are often higher than the cash price due to administrative costs and contract structures. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash rate of $105.00 directly, as this avoids the multi-layered pricing that insurance negotiations can inflate. It is important to note that cash prices can sometimes be cheaper than insurance negotiated rates, so verifying the specific allowed amount for your plan before scheduling is essential.
To ensure you are not overcharged, always request an itemized bill that lists every specific CPT code and service rendered, as summary bills can obscure errors or unbundled charges. If you receive a balance bill for the difference between the provider's full rate and your insurance payment, you may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which bans such billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Additionally, ask the hospital about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the final amount by 20% to 50% if you pay in full upfront, bypassing the costly claims processing cycle. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, disputing any discrepancies in writing with the billing supervisor is a critical step to reducing medical debt.