Is CPT 80048 overcharged?
80048: Basic metabolic panel (8 blood chemistry tests) (Lab)
Approximate Medicare national rate
$8.46
Source: CMS Clinical Lab Fee Schedule CY2026 Q4 (national limit). National amount; actual Medicare payment varies by locality.
What's a reasonable charge?
Commercial insurers typically pay roughly 1.5 to 2.5 times Medicare. If you were billed more than $25.38 for 80048, ask for an itemized bill, request the provider's cash price, and dispute the difference.
Check your whole bill
Duplicates and unbundling are often worth more than a single high price. Scan your bill free