CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $10
Cash Discount Price: $101
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.53x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital is $10. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $101. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 2.53x the Medicare baseline. Located in 450 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$101

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$10

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: $101 (2557%)

Insurance Median: $10 (253%)

Cash: $101 (2557% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $10 (253% 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 253% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 153%). 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	$4 - $22	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$4 - $101	101%
Blue Shield Ca	$4 - $150	101%
Brown Toland	$4	101%
Chinese Community	$4 - $120	101%
Connected Care	$4	101%
Health Net	$4 - $7	101%
Health Plan San Mateo	$4 - $5	101%
Humana	$4	101%
Kaiser	$4 - $141	101%
Mhn	$4	101%
Sfhp	$4	101%
United	$4 - $5	101%
California Health & Wellness	$5	127%
Partnership Health Plan	$5	127%
Magellan	$10 - $161	253%
Kentfield	$11	278%
Healthsmart	$12 - $188	304%
Oscar	$13	329%
Multiplan	$14 - $222	354%
Cigna	$17 - $18	430%
Us Behavioral Health	$17 - $185	430%

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 $101.
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 UCSF Health St. Mary's 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.