CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 84520
  • Insurance Median: $8
  • Cash Discount Price: $320
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.03x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center is $8. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $320. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 2.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$320

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$8

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: $320 (8101%)
Insurance Median: $8 (203%)
Cash: $320 (8101% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $8 (203% 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 203% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 103%). 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 - $11 101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $4 101%
Geha $4 101%
Iowa Total Care $4 101%
Medicaid / KanCare $4 101%
Medicare (plans) $4 101%
UnitedHealthcare $4 - $45 101%
Amish Hospital Aid $5 127%
Oscar $6 152%
Ambetter / Centene $7 177%
Centivo $7 177%
Claimdoc $8 203%
Nova $8 203%
Iowa Dept Of Public Health $9 - $45 228%
Allied Benefit Systems $11 278%
Asr Health Benefits $11 278%
Christian Brother Services $11 278%
Coventry $11 278%
First Health $11 278%
Health Choices $11 278%
Lucent Health $11 278%
Luminare Health $11 278%
Medical Associates $11 278%
Medical Mutual $11 278%
Meritain $11 278%
Webtpa $11 278%
Health Partners $30 759%
Auxiant $32 810%
Cigna $32 810%
Medica $32 810%
Midlands $32 810%
Midlands Choice $32 810%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA 50702
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Church
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals