CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: Atrium Health Lincoln

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82728
Insurance Median: $117
Cash Discount Price: $157
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.58x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at Atrium Health Lincoln is $117. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $157. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 8.58x the Medicare baseline. Located in 433 McAlister Rd, Lincolnton, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$157

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$117

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: $157 (1152%)

Insurance Median: $117 (858%)

Cash: $157 (1152% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $117 (858% 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 858% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 758%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13 - $159	95%
Aetna	$14 - $266	103%
Choicecare	$14 - $257	103%
Cigna	$14 - $212	103%
Humana	$14	103%
UnitedHealthcare	$14 - $179	103%
Alliance	$17 - $37	125%
Amerihealth Caritas	$17 - $35	125%
Carolina Complete Health	$17 - $36	125%
Healthy Blue	$17 - $36	125%
Orthocarolina	$17	125%
Partners	$17 - $36	125%
Trillium	$17 - $37	125%
Vaya	$17 - $36	125%
Wellcare	$17 - $36	125%
Ambetter / Centene	$23 - $117	169%
Medcost	$31 - $205	227%
Employers Health Network	$139 - $166	1020%
Physician Reach Out	$157	1152%
Gmmi	$204	1497%
Quik Trip	$204	1497%
First Health	$266	1952%
Beechstreet	$282	2069%
Private Health Care Systems	$282	2069%
Multiplan	$298	2186%

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 $157.
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 Atrium Health Lincoln 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.