How much does a Basic metabolic panel cost in California?

Basic metabolic panel (blood test) · CPT 80048 · State: California

In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) is about $46, with most between $14 and $117 ($219 cash/self-pay). Based on 249 California hospitals — 28% higher than the national typical of $36. Hospital list charges run about $382 (8.3× higher).

Insurer-negotiated
$46
California · $14–$117
Cash / self-pay
$219
typical cash price
Hospital list charge
$382
8.3× the negotiated rate

Source: medians across 249 California hospitals' published price files (≥5 reporting). See the national Basic metabolic panel (blood test) cost for the full picture. Estimates vary by hospital, insurer, and plan.

Basic metabolic panel (blood test) cost in California — FAQs

How much does a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) cost in California?

In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) is about $46, with most between $14 and $117, based on 249 California hospitals. That's 28% higher than the national typical of $36.

How much does a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) cost without insurance in California?

Cash or self-pay prices for a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) in California run around $219. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $382), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.

Why is my California hospital bill for a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) so high?

California hospital "list" charges for a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) run about $382 — roughly 8.3× the $46 insurers actually pay there. The list price is rarely what anyone pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.

Can I negotiate the cost of a Basic metabolic panel (blood test) in California?

Yes. If a California hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $46), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real California hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.

Charged more than $46 in California?

Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real California hospital prices and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.

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