CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: Carolinas Rehabilitation

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $169
Cash Discount Price: $177
vs. Medicare Baseline: 19.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at Carolinas Rehabilitation is $169. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $177. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 19.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$177

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$169

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: $177 (2092%)

Insurance Median: $169 (1998%)

Cash: $177 (2092% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $169 (1998% 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 1998% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1898%). 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
Aetna	$9 - $301	106%
Cigna	$9 - $239	106%
Humana	$9	106%
UnitedHealthcare	$9 - $232	106%
Amerihealth Caritas	$10 - $138	118%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $170	118%
Carolina Complete Health	$10 - $140	118%
Healthy Blue	$10 - $140	118%
Wellcare	$10 - $140	118%
Choicecare	$11 - $276	130%
Ambetter / Centene	$14 - $132	165%
Employers Health Network	$156 - $188	1844%
Physician Reach Out	$177	2092%
Medcost	$207 - $237	2447%
Quik Trip	$230	2719%
Healthgram	$283	3345%
Private Health Care Systems	$290	3428%
First Health	$301	3558%
Beechstreet	$326	3853%
Multiplan	$326	3853%

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 $177.
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 Carolinas Rehabilitation 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.