Blood test, calcium
Facility: Phillips County Hospital
Billing Code: 82310 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82310
- Insurance Median: $27
- Cash Discount Price: $26
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.23x 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 $5.16 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 523% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 423%). 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 | $11 - $28 | 213% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $15 - $35 | 291% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $19 - $35 | 368% |
| Health Partners-All Plans | $19 - $35 | 368% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood calcium test at Phillips County Hospital, the facility's cash price of $26.00 is lower than the state average for this service, which sits at $31.00. While the hospital is a Critical Access Hospital in Phillipsburg, KS, with government-local ownership, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly more cost-effective than using insurance. This is because the negotiated rates for in-network payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare range from $11 to $35, often exceeding the cash price. By paying upfront, you bypass the administrative overhead and multi-layered contract structures that typically inflate insurance rates by 20% to 40%, potentially saving money if your deductible has not yet been met.
Before scheduling, it is crucial to verify the specific "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount rates with the hospital, as these can offer significant reductions compared to the standard cash price. Although the facility is in-network for several major payers, patients should avoid assuming that in-network status guarantees the lowest possible price, as different insurers negotiate different ceilings. Additionally, since the Medicare benchmark for this code is $5.16, the commercial negotiated rates represent a substantial markup; however, the cash price remains the most transparent baseline for comparison. To ensure you are not overcharged, request a full itemized bill before payment and dispute any errors formally in writing, as over 80% of hospital bills contain inaccuracies that can be corrected.