CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 80053 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80053
Insurance Median: $109
Cash Discount Price: $191
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.32x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel at Howard County Medical Center is $109. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $191. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.56, this hospital’s rate is 10.32x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$191

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$109

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: $191 (1809%)

Insurance Median: $109 (1032%)

Cash: $191 (1809% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $109 (1032% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1032% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 932%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $183	38%
Aetna	$7 - $181	66%
Medica Standard Premier	$11 - $21	104%
Medica Elevate	$21 - $39	199%
Midland'S Choice	$22	208%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$36 - $181	341%
Molina Healthcare	$96	909%
Nebraska Total Care	$96	909%
Great Plains	$109	1032%
Medica Chi	$109	1032%
Tricare	$143	1354%
Medica Chi Aco	$174	1648%
Medica Choice National	$174	1648%
Medica Ifb Aco	$183	1733%
Medica Ifb Open Access	$183	1733%

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 $191.
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 Howard County Medical Center 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.