Blood test, creatinine (kidney)
Facility: Wamego Health Center
Billing Code: 82565 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 82565
- Insurance Median: $5
- Cash Discount Price: $48
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x 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 $5.12 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $5 | 98% |
| Providrs Care | $5 | 98% |
| Aetna | $5 | 98% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $5 | 98% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $101 - $107 | 1973% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, creatinine (kidney) procedure at Wamego Health Center, the cash median price is $48.00, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $119.00. While the data does not provide a specific county or state average for this service, patients should note that paying cash upfront can sometimes be the most cost-effective option, particularly if their insurance plan has a high deductible or if the negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. To maximize savings, individuals are encouraged to contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which often reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% when paid in full before or shortly after the service.
When using insurance, it is important to understand that commercial negotiated rates often differ from the Medicare benchmark of $5.12, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of care. Although the data indicates a median negotiated rate of $5.00 for Medicaid/KanCare plans, patients must be aware that out-of-network services or ancillary charges could potentially trigger balance billing, where the provider bills the difference between the full chargemaster and the insurance allowed amount. To avoid unexpected costs, consumers should request a detailed, itemized bill before paying and verify that all services rendered are correctly coded, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors that can be resolved through a formal audit dispute.