CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 84520
  • Insurance Median: $10
  • Cash Discount Price: $8
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.53x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $10. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $8. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 2.53x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$8

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: $8 (203%)
Insurance Median: $10 (253%)
Cash: $8 (203% 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.

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 $5 - $11 127%
Ambetter / Centene $5 - $11 127%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $5 - $11 127%
Champus $5 - $6 127%
Champva $5 - $6 127%
Health Partners $5 - $11 127%
Humana $5 - $11 127%
Iowa Health Advantage $5 - $11 127%
Medicare (plans) $5 - $11 127%
UnitedHealthcare $5 - $11 127%
Wellcare $5 - $11 127%
Wellpoint $5 - $11 127%
American Postal Workers $8 - $9 203%
Avera $8 - $9 203%
Cigna $9 - $10 228%
First Administrators $10 - $11 253%
Golden Rule $10 - $11 253%
Great West $10 - $11 253%
Healthscope $10 - $11 253%
Medical Associates $10 - $11 253%
Meritain $10 - $11 253%
Midlands Choice $10 - $11 253%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals