CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel

Facility: Wakemed, Cary Hospital

Billing Code: 80053 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80053
Insurance Median: $21
Cash Discount Price: $120
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel at Wakemed, Cary Hospital is $21. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $120. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.56, this hospital’s rate is 1.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1900 Kildare Farm Road, Cary, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$120

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$21

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$10.56

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $10.56 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $120 (1136%)

Insurance Median: $21 (199%)

Cash: $120 (1136% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $21 (199% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $10.56 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.

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
Amerihealth	$5 - $47	47%
Carolina Complete	$5 - $47	47%
Healthy Blue	$5 - $47	47%
Wellcare	$5 - $47	47%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7 - $157	66%
Cigna	$8 - $161	76%
First Health	$8 - $277	76%
Aetna	$9 - $214	85%
Cary - Alignment	$11	104%
Ambetter / Centene	$12 - $119	114%
Cary - Liberty	$13	123%
Cary - Pruitt	$13	123%
Cary - Wellcare	$13	123%
Medcost	$23 - $236	218%
Phcs	$26 - $252	246%
Multiplan	$29 - $284	275%

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 $120.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 80053.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Wakemed, Cary Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 80053.
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.