CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: City of Hope National Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $20
Cash Discount Price: $27
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.06x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at City of Hope National Medical Center is $20. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $27. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 5.06x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1500 Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$27

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$20

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: $27 (684%)

Insurance Median: $20 (506%)

Cash: $27 (684% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $20 (506% 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 506% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 406%). 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
Health Net	$3 - $34	76%
Cal Optima	$4	101%
Heritage Provider Network	$4 - $24	101%
Facey	$5	127%
Inland Empire	$5 - $28	127%
Prime Healthcare Keenan	$7 - $34	177%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $39	253%
UnitedHealthcare	$11 - $20	278%
Blue Shield	$12 - $45	304%
Blue Shield Covca	$12 - $21	304%
Blue Shield Promise	$14 - $24	354%
Cencal	$16 - $28	405%
La Care Health	$16 - $28	405%
Kaiser	$18 - $32	456%
Aetna	$20 - $35	506%
Gold Coast	$20 - $35	506%
Molina	$20 - $46	506%
Cigna	$21 - $38	532%
Healthcare Partners	$23 - $41	582%
St. Joseph Heritage	$23 - $42	582%
Primecare Medical Network	$25 - $46	633%
First Health	$30 - $54	759%
Phcs Multiplan	$35 - $63	886%

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 $27.
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 City of Hope National Medical Center 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.