CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 82728
  • Insurance Median: $87
  • Cash Discount Price: $153
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.38x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at Howard County Medical Center is $87. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $153. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 6.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.
Cash / Self-Pay
$153

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$87

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: $153 (1123%)
Insurance Median: $87 (638%)
Cash: $153 (1123% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $87 (638% 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 638% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 538%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 $5 - $147 37%
Aetna $9 - $145 66%
Medica Standard Premier $14 - $27 103%
Medica Elevate $27 - $50 198%
Midland'S Choice $28 205%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $47 - $145 345%
Molina Healthcare $76 558%
Nebraska Total Care $76 558%
Great Plains $87 638%
Medica Chi $87 638%
Tricare $115 844%
Medica Chi Aco $139 1020%
Medica Choice National $139 1020%
Medica Ifb Aco $147 1079%
Medica Ifb Open Access $147 1079%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE 68873
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals