Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: Greeley County Health Services
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $14
- Cash Discount Price: $70
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.03x 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $14 | 103% |
| Aetna | $14 | 103% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test for ferritin at Greeley County Health Services in Tribune, Kansas, the cash price is $70.00, which is significantly lower than the state average of $13.63 for the same CPT code. While the facility's negotiated rate with in-network payers like Aetna and Medicaid/KanCare is $14.00, this amount is still higher than the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash price directly, as the $70.00 rate is lower than the commercial negotiated rates. To secure the best possible price, it is recommended to ask the billing department specifically about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final amount owed.
When reviewing your final invoice, ensure you receive a detailed itemized bill rather than a summary statement, as hospitals often use broad categories to obscure individual charges. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, requesting a line-by-line breakdown allows you to identify any unbundled codes or services not rendered before payment. Additionally, your commercial rate of $14.00 is compared against the Medicare benchmark of $13.63, which serves as the federal baseline for true cost. While the difference appears small, understanding that commercial rates often include administrative overhead helps clarify why the negotiated amount exceeds the cash price. Always verify your deductible status before scheduling, as paying the negotiated rate may not be covered if your plan has not yet met its out-of-pocket threshold.