Blood test, basic metabolic panel
Facility: Kingman Healthcare Center
Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 80048
- Insurance Median: $5
- Cash Discount Price: $4
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.59x 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 $8.46 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $2 - $11 | 24% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $2 - $11 | 24% |
| Cigna | $2 - $11 | 24% |
| Health Partners | $2 - $11 | 24% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $5 | 59% |
| Celtic Insurance Company | $5 | 59% |
| Wellcare | $5 | 59% |
| Humana | $5 | 59% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $5 | 59% |
| Triwest | $9 | 106% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, basic metabolic panel (CPT 80048) at Kingman Healthcare Center in Kansas, the cash median price is $4.00, which is 43% lower than the Medicare benchmark of $8.46. This facility, a voluntary non-profit Critical Access Hospital, has negotiated rates ranging from $2.00 to $11.00 across ten payers, with a median negotiated amount of $5.00. While commercial insurance contracts often result in higher payments due to administrative overhead and claim processing costs, patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more favorable if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds $4.00. It is important to note that commercial rates can sometimes be inflated by multi-layered billing structures, so comparing the facility's cash price directly to the Medicare rate provides a clearer picture of the true cost of care.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, always request an itemized bill before finalizing payment, as summary bills can obscure individual charges and potential errors. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask the billing department specifically about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total by 20% to 50% if settled within a short window. Additionally, verify your insurance status before scheduling; even though this facility participates with major carriers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna, your specific plan's deductible status and allowed amounts will determine your actual out-of-pocket responsibility. Always confirm whether your plan covers this service before the appointment to avoid unexpected balance billing or surprise costs.