CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 84520
  • Insurance Median: $13
  • Cash Discount Price: $618
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.29x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center is $13. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $618. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 3.29x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Fourth Street Sw, Mason City, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$618

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$13

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: $618 (15646%)
Insurance Median: $13 (329%)
Cash: $618 (15646% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $13 (329% 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 329% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 229%). 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 - $23 101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $4 - $13 101%
Geha $4 - $14 101%
Iowa Total Care $4 - $13 101%
Medicaid / KanCare $4 - $13 101%
Medicare (plans) $4 - $14 101%
UnitedHealthcare $4 - $44 101%
Amish Hospital Aid $5 - $18 127%
Centivo $5 - $17 127%
Oscar $5 - $18 127%
Ambetter / Centene $7 - $23 177%
Claimdoc $8 - $27 203%
Nova $8 - $27 203%
Iowa Dept Of Public Health $9 - $44 228%
Health Choices $11 278%
Medical Associates $11 278%
1199 National Benefit Fund $23 582%
Allied Benefit Systems $23 582%
Asr Health Benefits $23 582%
Christian Brother Services $23 582%
Coventry $23 582%
First Health $23 582%
Lucent Health $23 582%
Luminare Health $23 582%
Medical Mutual $23 582%
Meritain $23 582%
Trustmark Small Business Benefits $23 582%
Webtpa $23 582%
Health Partners $29 734%
Preferred One $29 734%
Auxiant $31 785%
Cigna $31 785%
Medica $31 785%
Midlands $31 785%
Midlands Choice $31 785%
Mhnet $35 886%
Multiplan $40 1013%
Crime Victim Assistance $44 1114%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Fourth Street Sw, Mason City, IA 50401
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals