Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)
Facility: Golden Valley Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82728
- Insurance Median: $14
- Cash Discount Price: $74
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.03x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $14 | 103% |
| Home State Health | $14 | 103% |
| Humana | $14 | 103% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $14 - $23 | 103% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $16 | 117% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 82728, representing a blood test for ferritin (iron stores), the cash median rate at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, MO, is exactly $74. This facility, an acute care hospital owned by the Government - Hospital District or Authority, reports a gross charge of $124 and a median negotiated rate of $14 across five payers, including Aetna, Home State Health, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Ambetter / Centene. While the cash price is significantly lower than the gross charge, it is important to note that commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative costs and contract structures, meaning patients with high-deductible plans might find paying the cash rate of $74 more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which could result in a higher allowed amount.
When evaluating pricing relative to the broader region, the cash median of $74 serves as a critical benchmark against state and county averages, though specific average figures for comparison were not provided in the available data. Under Medicare benchmarking principles, the facility's reported Medicare amount of $13.63 acts as the objective baseline for true cost, revealing that the cash rate represents a substantial markup over the federal government's fixed reimbursement rate. Patients should be aware that balance billing is generally prohibited for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities under the No Surprises Act, but they must verify their plan's network status and deductible balance before scheduling. To minimize costs, individuals are encouraged to contact the facility directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can offer additional reductions beyond the standard cash rate.