CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 84520
  • Insurance Median: $16
  • Cash Discount Price: $17
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.05x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $16. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $17. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 4.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.
Cash / Self-Pay
$17

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$16

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate
$3.95

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.95 (100%)
Cash / Self-Pay: $17 (430%)
Insurance Median: $16 (405%)
Cash: $17 (430% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $16 (405% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3.95 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 405% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 305%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group Contract Rate Range vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna $4 - $52 101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $4 101%
Cigna $4 - $54 101%
Cooper Green $4 101%
Humana $4 - $64 101%
Jefferson County Sheriff $4 101%
Triwest $4 101%
United Mine Workers $4 101%
UnitedHealthcare $4 101%
Ambetter / Centene $5 127%
Viva $5 - $38 127%
Beech Street $10 - $52 253%
One Health Plan $10 - $49 253%
Phcs $10 - $52 253%
Geha $11 - $52 278%
Healthchoice $11 - $52 278%
Alamed $13 - $59 329%
Construction Claims Management $13 - $61 329%
Corvel $13 - $68 329%
Multiplan $13 - $62 329%
Novanet $13 - $63 329%
Department Of Labor $14 - $65 354%
Heritage Summit Health $14 - $65 354%
Pnoa $14 - $68 354%
Three Rivers $14 - $68 354%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL 35022
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals