Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: William Newton Hospital
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $13
- Cash Discount Price: $53
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.95x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter / Centene | $3 - $98 | 22% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $3 - $51 | 22% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $3 - $89 | 22% |
| Triwest- All Plans | $3 - $34 | 22% |
| Providrs Care Nexus | $5 - $60 | 37% |
| Providrs Care - All Other Plans | $6 - $69 | 44% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test procedure to measure ferritin (iron stores) at William Newton Hospital in Winfield, KS, the cash price is $53.00, which matches the facility's median negotiated rate. This cash price is significantly lower than the typical negotiated rates charged by major payers such as Ambetter / Centene, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare, where allowed amounts range from $14.00 to $69.00 depending on the specific plan. While Medicare sets a benchmark of $13.63 for this service, the facility's cash rate of $53.00 is higher than the Medicare amount, suggesting that for patients with high-deductible plans who have not yet met their out-of-pocket maximum, paying the cash price directly could result in lower total costs compared to using insurance, which may trigger balance billing if the provider is out-of-network or if ancillary services are billed separately.
Patients should be aware that hospitals often offer prompt-pay discounts for self-pay patients who settle their bill upfront, which can further reduce the $53.00 cash price. It is important to request this discount before scheduling the test to ensure the billing system classifies the service correctly and avoids automatic submission to insurance, which could void the cash agreement. Additionally, consumers should demand a full itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as unbundled codes or charges for services not rendered. By comparing the facility's rates to the Medicare benchmark and actively seeking prompt-pay options, patients can avoid unexpected balance bills and ensure they are paying a fair price for their care.