CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, basic metabolic panel

Facility: Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Billing Code: 80048 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80048
Insurance Median: $10
Cash Discount Price: $18
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.18x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, basic metabolic panel at Milton S Hershey Medical Center is $10. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $18. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.46, this hospital’s rate is 1.18x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$18

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$10

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: $18 (213%)

Insurance Median: $10 (118%)

Cash: $18 (213% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $10 (118% 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.

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]	$7 - $8	83%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$7 - $8	83%
[Geisinger]	$8 - $41	95%
[Health Partners Plans]	$8 - $9	95%
[Highmark]	$8 - $23	95%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$8 - $9	95%
Aetna	$9 - $23	106%
Humana	$9	106%
UnitedHealthcare	$9 - $20	106%
[Healthspring]	$9	106%
[Upmc]	$9 - $41	106%
[Cbc]	$10 - $36	118%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$11	130%
[Highmark Aca]	$16	189%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$18	213%
Cigna	$24 - $35	284%
[Preferred Healthcare Systems]	$41	485%
[First Health]	$44	520%
[Multiplan]	$44	520%

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 $18.
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 Milton S Hershey Medical Center 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.