Blood test, potassium
Facility: Norton County Hospital
Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84132
- Insurance Median: $14
- Cash Discount Price: $42
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.94x 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 $4.76 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 294% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 194%). 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 | $14 | 294% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test for potassium at Norton County Hospital in Norton, KS, the cash price is $42.00, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $60.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more affordable than their insurance negotiated rate of $14.00, as commercial rates often include administrative overhead that can exceed the actual cost of the service. It is important to note that while the facility has a single payer contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield, the cash price remains a distinct option that bypasses insurance billing cycles and potential balance billing risks associated with out-of-network services.
To ensure you receive the most accurate billing, always request an itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices can obscure individual charges or unbundled codes that inflate the total. If you receive a balance bill for the difference between the provider's full charge and your insurance allowed amount, you may be entitled to dispute the bill under the No Surprises Act, particularly if the service was rendered at an in-network facility. Additionally, since the cash price is lower than the negotiated rate, you should explicitly ask the hospital about prompt-pay discounts or self-pay reductions before scheduling, as these upfront incentives can further reduce your out-of-pocket costs compared to standard insurance processing.