Blood test, glucose (blood sugar)
Facility: Oakleaf Surgical Hospital
Billing Code: 82947 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82947
- Insurance Median: $4
- Cash Discount Price: $39
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.02x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3.93 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $4 | 102% |
| Dean Health Plan | $4 | 102% |
| Group Health Cooperative Of Eau Claire | $4 | 102% |
| Healthpartners | $4 | 102% |
| Humana | $4 | 102% |
| Medica | $4 | 102% |
| Quartz Health Solutions | $4 | 102% |
| Security Health Plan Of Wi | $4 | 102% |
| Ucare Wi | $4 | 102% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $4 | 102% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood glucose test at Oakleaf Surgical Hospital in Altoona, WI, the cash median rate is $39, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $43 and the state average of $43. While the facility's negotiated rate is $4, the cash price offers a distinct advantage for patients with high-deductible plans, as paying out-of-pocket may result in lower out-of-pocket costs compared to the insurance allowed amount. Given that the facility is physician-owned, patients should proactively ask during registration about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final bill by bypassing administrative claim processing fees.
The Medicare benchmark for this procedure is $3.93, highlighting that the cash rate of $39 represents a substantial markup above the federal cost baseline. Although the facility's negotiated rate is only $4, commercial insurance members should be cautious about assuming this is the lowest possible price, as administrative structures often inflate baseline costs. To ensure accuracy, patients are encouraged to request an itemized billing audit before paying, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as code unbundling or charges for services not rendered. Disputing any discrepancies in writing with the billing supervisor is the most effective way to reduce medical debt and avoid balance billing surprises.