CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, creatinine (kidney)

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 82565 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82565
Insurance Median: $105
Cash Discount Price: $114
vs. Medicare Baseline: 20.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, creatinine (kidney) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $105. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $114. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $5.12, this hospital’s rate is 20.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$114

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$105

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$5.12

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $5.12 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $114 (2227%)

Insurance Median: $105 (2051%)

Cash: $114 (2227% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $105 (2051% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $5.12 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 2051% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1951%). 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
Mdsave	$10	195%
Directnet	$38	742%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$92 - $94	1797%
Medcost	$94 - $132	1836%
UnitedHealthcare	$94 - $96	1836%
Cigna	$103 - $106	2012%
Aetna	$114 - $117	2227%
Prime Health Service	$141 - $144	2754%
Humana	$150 - $154	2930%
Multiplan	$160 - $163	3125%

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 $114.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82565.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Catawba Valley Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 82565.
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.