CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, sodium

Facility: Buffalo Hospital

Billing Code: 84295 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84295
Insurance Median: $26
Cash Discount Price: $19
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, sodium at Buffalo Hospital is $26. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $19. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.81, this hospital’s rate is 5.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 303 Catlin Street, Buffalo, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$19

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$26

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$4.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $19 (395%)

Insurance Median: $26 (541%)

Cash: $19 (395% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $26 (541% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.81 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 541% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 441%). 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
Aetna	$4 - $86	83%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5 - $40	104%
Medica	$5 - $110	104%
Medicaid / KanCare	$5	104%
Medicare (plans)	$5	104%
South Country Health Alliance	$5	104%
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$6 - $29	125%
Medica Health System	$15 - $116	312%
Health Partners	$17 - $107	353%
Healthpartners	$19 - $98	395%
UnitedHealthcare	$20 - $99	416%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$22 - $111	457%
Medica Mhps	$22 - $110	457%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$24 - $121	499%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$24 - $121	499%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$28 - $144	582%

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 $19.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84295.

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 84295.
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.