CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, potassium

Facility: Texas Childrens Hospital

Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84132
Insurance Median: $48
Cash Discount Price: $52
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, potassium at Texas Childrens Hospital is $48. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $52. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.76, this hospital’s rate is 10.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$52

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$48

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: $52 (1092%)

Insurance Median: $48 (1008%)

Cash: $52 (1092% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $48 (1008% 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 1008% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 908%). 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
Driscoll Children'S Health Plan Mcd	$5	105%
Superior Chip	$5	105%
Community Health Choice	$8 - $55	168%
First Care Health Plan	$18 - $55	378%
UnitedHealthcare	$18 - $55	378%
Molina Mcd	$20 - $26	420%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$24 - $54	504%
Community First Health Plan Mcd	$27 - $34	567%
Cook Children'S Health Plan	$27 - $34	567%
Cigna	$39 - $55	819%
Aetna	$44 - $55	924%
Kelseycare	$44 - $56	924%
Healthsmart	$48 - $60	1008%
Evolutions Healthcare	$51 - $64	1071%
First Health	$60 - $82	1261%
Multiplan	$61 - $77	1282%
Galaxy Health Network	$65 - $82	1366%

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 $52.
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 Texas Childrens Hospital 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.