CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $90
Cash Discount Price: $158
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.64x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at Reading Hospital is $90. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $158. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 10.64x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$158

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$90

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: $158 (1868%)

Insurance Median: $90 (1064%)

Cash: $158 (1868% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $90 (1064% 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 1064% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 964%). 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
Amerihealth Caritas	$9	106%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $67	106%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $13	118%
Upmc	$10 - $122	118%
Geisinger	$11 - $143	130%
Keystone First	$11	130%
Gateway	$12	142%
Health Partners	$12	142%
Pa Health & Wellness	$12	142%
Wernersville State Hospital	$12	142%
Aetna	$23 - $122	272%
Pma	$90	1064%
Lehigh Valley Health Network	$102	1206%
Cigna	$129	1525%
First Health	$134	1584%
Berkshire	$170	2009%
Blue Ridge	$215	2541%

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 $158.
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 Reading Hospital 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.