CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Natividad Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $23
Cash Discount Price: $50
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Natividad Medical Center is $23. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $50. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 5.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1441 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$50

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$23

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: $50 (1266%)

Insurance Median: $23 (582%)

Cash: $50 (1266% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $23 (582% 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 582% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 482%). 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
Aspire Mcr Adv - All Plans	$4	101%
Wgat Cedar - All Plans	$5	127%
Pacific Health Alliance - All Plans	$10 - $45	253%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$12 - $52	304%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$12 - $53	304%
Aetna	$14 - $61	354%
UnitedHealthcare	$15 - $63	380%
Cigna	$16 - $69	405%
Medi-Cal	$19 - $81	481%
Medi-Cal Hmo - All Plans	$27 - $113	684%

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 $50.
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 Natividad 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.