CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: Carolina East Medical Center

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $50
Cash Discount Price: $71
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at Carolina East Medical Center is $50. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $71. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 5.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$71

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$50

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: $71 (839%)

Insurance Median: $50 (591%)

Cash: $71 (839% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $50 (591% 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 591% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 491%). 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
Humana	$8	95%
Inclusive Health (Nchirp)-All Plans	$8	95%
Tricare	$8 - $180	95%
Pamlico Co Jail-All Plans	$15 - $48	177%
UnitedHealthcare	$19 - $128	225%
Craven Co. Jail Systems - All Plans	$20 - $61	236%
Medcost Ppo Employees And Retirees	$36 - $118	426%
Medcost Ppo Ultra (Employees)	$36 - $113	426%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$38 - $123	449%
Medcost Ppo City Employees	$40 - $131	473%
Medcost Ppo County Employee	$42 - $136	496%
Benefit Mgmt, Svcs-All Plans	$47 - $153	556%
Aetna	$49 - $159	579%
Medcost Benefit Svc-All Other Plans	$49 - $159	579%
Acs Consult Svc Inc-All Plans	$50 - $163	591%
Cigna	$50 - $164	591%
Medcost Ppo Standard	$50 - $163	591%

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 $71.
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 Carolina East Medical Center 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.