CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82728
Insurance Median: $101
Cash Discount Price: $178
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at UPMC Mercy is $101. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $178. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 7.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$178

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$101

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: $178 (1306%)

Insurance Median: $101 (741%)

Cash: $178 (1306% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $101 (741% 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 741% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 641%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$11 - $68	81%
Upmc Work Partners	$13	95%
Aetna	$14 - $119	103%
Geisinger	$14	103%
UnitedHealthcare	$14	103%
Amerihealth Caritas	$15 - $19	110%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$15 - $18	110%
Pa Health & Wellness	$15 - $20	110%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$26 - $84	191%
Cigna	$101 - $178	741%
Bravo	$104	763%
Coventry/First Health	$131	961%
Intergroup	$148 - $238	1086%
Private Health Care Systems	$223	1636%
American Healthcare Group	$238	1746%
National Provider Network	$244	1790%
Health Payors Organization	$267	1959%
Multiplan	$267	1959%

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 $178.
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 UPMC Mercy 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.