CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $6
Cash Discount Price: $28
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion is $6. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $28. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 1.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1316 South Main Street, Clarion, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$28

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

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: $28 (709%)

Insurance Median: $6 (152%)

Cash: $28 (709% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $6 (152% 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.

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
Tricare	$2 - $21	51%
Triwest Va - All Plans	$2 - $21	51%
Healthscope Stellar-All Plans	$3 - $36	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$3 - $66	76%
Aetna	$4 - $59	101%
Auxiant Clarion Schools-All Plans	$4 - $45	101%
Health Partners Prestage	$4 - $52	101%
Wellmark Hmo	$4 - $32	101%
Wellmark Ppo - All Other Plans	$4 - $35	101%
Cigna	$5 - $67	127%
Health Partners Ish-All Other Plans	$5 - $55	127%
Midlands Choice-All Plans	$5 - $67	127%

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 $28.
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 Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion 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.