CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, potassium

Facility: Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood

Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84132
Insurance Median: $75
Cash Discount Price: $142
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.76x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, potassium at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood is $75. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $142. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.76, this hospital’s rate is 15.76x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 Burnet Dr, Brownwood, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$142

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$75

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$4.76

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.76 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $142 (2983%)

Insurance Median: $75 (1576%)

Cash: $142 (2983% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $75 (1576% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.76 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 1576% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1476%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$5 - $91	105%
Firstcare Star	$7	147%
Superior Health Plan	$8	168%
Wellpoint	$8	168%
Ambetter / Centene	$11	231%
Healthsmart	$59 - $140	1239%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$60 - $168	1261%
Aetna	$71 - $170	1492%
Private Healthcare Systems	$75 - $178	1576%
Multiplan	$76 - $180	1597%

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 $142.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84132.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84132.
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.