Basic metabolic panel (blood test) in Jackson, MI: hospital prices
One hospital in the Jackson, MI metro area prices CPT 80048 in its files, but fewer than three list a cash price, so we show the rows without a ranking.
One hospital in the Jackson, MI metro area lists basic metabolic panel (blood test) (CPT 80048) in its price file, but only as a list price or negotiated insurer rates, not as a cash price. Hospitals must publish a discounted cash price for every shoppable service; where it is missing you can still ask for one by phone.
Sorted by cash price
Hospital facility fee onlyWhat's in the price
The hospital facility fee for CPT 80048. The doctor, anesthesia and lab work usually bill separately.
Cash vs. insured
Cash is what you pay without insurance. With insurance you pay a share of the negotiated rate, which can be higher than cash. You may ask for the cash price.
What to say on the phone
"I'd like the self-pay price for CPT 80048, in writing, and whether it covers facility, physician and anesthesia."
About basic metabolic panel (blood test)
CPT 80048 is a basic metabolic panel: eight blood tests in one draw covering blood sugar, kidney function (creatinine, urea), sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and calcium. It is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, done at check-ups, before surgery and when monitoring medications.
What the price covers
The price is for the laboratory analysis of one blood sample. It does not include the blood draw (36415, usually a small separate charge), the visit that ordered it, or any other tests run from the same sample.
Why prices vary
Lab tests are where hospital pricing looks most absurd: the same automated panel, which costs a laboratory a few dollars to run, lists at $10 in one hospital and $500 in another. Independent laboratories and direct-to-consumer lab services are almost always cheaper than hospital labs for routine panels. If a hospital's cash price is high, ask whether the sample can go to an outside lab.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 80048, and is the blood draw extra?
- Can the sample be sent to an independent laboratory instead?
- If my doctor ordered a comprehensive panel (80053), is the basic one enough?