CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Monroe County Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $39
Cash Discount Price: $47
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Monroe County Hospital is $39. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $47. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 9.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6580 165Th Street, Albia, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$47

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$39

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: $47 (1190%)

Insurance Median: $39 (987%)

Cash: $47 (1190% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $39 (987% 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 987% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 887%). 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
Va Ccn - All Plans	$3	76%
Wellmark Hmo	$6	152%
Wellmark Ppo - All Other Plans	$7	177%
Aetna	$33 - $73	835%
Amerigroup Mcare	$33	835%
Humana	$33	835%
Mahp Mcare - All Plans	$33	835%
Tricare	$33	835%
UnitedHealthcare	$33 - $74	835%
Wellmark Mcare	$33	835%
Iowa Total Care Mcaid - All Plans	$39	987%
Amerigroup Mcaid - All Other Plans	$40	1013%
Molina Mcaid - All Plans	$40	1013%
Centivo - All Plans	$49	1241%
Midlands Choice - All Plans	$55	1392%
Preferred Hlth - All Plans	$58	1468%
Geha - All Plans	$62	1570%
Multiplan - All Plans	$70	1772%
Integrated Hp - All Plans	$76	1924%

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 $47.
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 Monroe County 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.