CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: Unitypoint Health - Meriter

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82728
Insurance Median: $58
Cash Discount Price: $181
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at Unitypoint Health - Meriter is $58. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $181. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 4.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 202 S Park St, Madison, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$181

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$58

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.63

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.63 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $181 (1328%)

Insurance Median: $58 (426%)

Cash: $181 (1328% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $58 (426% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.63 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 426% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 326%). 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	$8 - $93	59%
Aspirus	$14 - $136	103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14 - $215	103%
Humana	$14	103%
Illinicare	$14	103%
Meridiancare	$14	103%
Prevea 360	$14 - $192	103%
Wellmark Uph Self-Funded	$14 - $131	103%
Health Partners Open Network	$21 - $83	154%
Cigna	$44 - $68	323%
Security Health Plan	$47 - $70	345%
Mercy Care	$55 - $75	404%
Medical Associates Health Plan	$58 - $81	426%
Quartz	$71	521%

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 $181.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82728.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Unitypoint Health - Meriter is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 82728.
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.