CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Grossmont Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $61
Cash Discount Price: $77
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Grossmont Hospital is $61. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $77. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 15.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5555 Grossmont Center Drive Box 58, La Mesa, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$77

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$61

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: $77 (1949%)

Insurance Median: $61 (1544%)

Cash: $77 (1949% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $61 (1544% 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 1544% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1444%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

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

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance 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	$15 - $77	380%
Allianz Global Assistance	$29 - $82	734%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$31 - $68	785%
Cigna	$31 - $58	785%
Health Net	$31 - $77	785%
Managed Health Network	$31 - $41	785%
Molina	$31	785%
UnitedHealthcare	$31 - $77	785%
Kaiser	$40 - $72	1013%
San Diego Pace	$47	1190%
Medi-Cal	$52 - $82	1316%
California Health And Wellness	$65	1646%
Humana	$66	1671%
Community Health Group	$72 - $101	1823%
Blue Shield	$77 - $82	1949%
Indian Health Council	$84	2127%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $77.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84520.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Grossmont Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84520.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.