CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: Buffalo Hospital

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82728
Insurance Median: $29
Cash Discount Price: $23
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at Buffalo Hospital is $29. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $23. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 2.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 303 Catlin Street, Buffalo, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$23

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$29

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.63

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.63 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $23 (169%)

Insurance Median: $29 (213%)

Cash: $23 (169% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $29 (213% of 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 213% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 113%). 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
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$7 - $9	51%
Aetna	$13 - $27	95%
Medicare (plans)	$13	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14 - $69	103%
Medica	$14 - $35	103%
Medicaid / KanCare	$14	103%
South Country Health Alliance	$14	103%
Medica Health System	$19 - $37	139%
Healthpartners	$25 - $31	183%
UnitedHealthcare	$26 - $32	191%
Health Partners	$27 - $46	198%
Medica Mhps	$28 - $35	205%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$29 - $36	213%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$31 - $39	227%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$31 - $39	227%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$37 - $46	271%

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 $23.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82728.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Buffalo Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 82728.
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.