CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel

Facility: Erlanger Medical Center

Billing Code: 80053 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 80053
Insurance Median: $13
Cash Discount Price: $131
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, comprehensive metabolic panel at Erlanger Medical Center is $13. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $131. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.56, this hospital’s rate is 1.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 975 E 3Rd St, Chattanooga, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$131

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$13

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: $131 (1241%)

Insurance Median: $13 (123%)

Cash: $131 (1241% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $13 (123% 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.

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
Humana	$2 - $20	19%
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $15	38%
Amerigroup	$5 - $23	47%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8 - $350	76%
Bluecard - Network P	$8 - $30	76%
Bluecard - Network S	$8 - $30	76%
Aetna	$11 - $214	104%
Alexian	$11 - $38	104%
American Health	$11	104%
Bluecare	$11 - $31	104%
Caresource	$11 - $21	104%
Cigna	$11 - $197	104%
Clover	$11	104%
Devoted Health	$11 - $29	104%
Nhc	$11	104%
Upmc	$11	104%
Wellpoint	$11	104%
Atrio Health	$12 - $35	114%
Ambetter / Centene	$13	123%
Caresource Ga	$15 - $27	142%
Caresource Nc	$15 - $27	142%
Caresource Tn	$15 - $27	142%
Point Comfort Underwriters	$16 - $35	152%
Pruitthealth Premier	$18 - $41	170%
Pnoa	$26	246%
Olympus	$240 - $328	2273%
Alliant	$328	3106%
First Health	$350 - $371	3314%

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 $131.
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 Erlanger 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.