CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: University of Louisville Hospital

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $97
Cash Discount Price: $81
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at University of Louisville Hospital is $97. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $81. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 11.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 530 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$81

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$97

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$8.46

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $8.46 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $81 (957%)

Insurance Median: $97 (1147%)

Cash: $81 (957% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $97 (1147% of 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1147% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1047%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

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	$6 - $338	71%
Aetna	$8 - $57	95%
Essence Health	$8	95%
Humana	$8 - $57	95%
Senior Care Community Of Ky	$8	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$8 - $161	95%
Va Ccn	$8	95%
Communicare	$9	106%
Devoted	$9 - $101	106%
Passport	$9 - $169	106%
Signature	$9 - $169	106%
Wellcare	$10 - $12	118%
Key Benefit Administrators	$11	130%
Velocity	$11 - $331	130%
Cigna	$14	165%
Prime Group Health	$93 - $287	1099%
Cshn	$220 - $338	2600%
Multiplan	$223 - $304	2636%
Encore	$237	2801%
Health Smart	$254	3002%
Omca	$321	3794%
Corvel	$338	3995%
National Comp Care	$338	3995%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $81.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80048.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Louisville Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 80048.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.