CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Cass County Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $19
Cash Discount Price: $32
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Cass County Memorial Hospital is $19. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $32. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 4.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 East Tenth Street, Atlantic, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$32

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$19

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: $32 (810%)

Insurance Median: $19 (481%)

Cash: $32 (810% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $19 (481% 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 481% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 381%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $19	101%
Midlands Choice Medica Mcr	$9	228%
Triwest - All Plans	$18	456%
Aetna	$19 - $43	481%
American Hlth Mcr Adv - All Plans	$19	481%
Amerigroup Mcr Adv - All Other Plans	$19	481%
Iowa Total Care Mcaid	$19	481%
Iowa Total Care Mcr	$19	481%
Medica Mcr Adv	$19	481%
Medicaid / KanCare	$19	481%
Molina Mcaid - All Plans	$19	481%
Tricare	$19	481%
Va Ccn - All Plans	$19	481%
Wellmark Mcr Adv	$19	481%
Iowa Total Care Comm - All Other Plans	$21	532%
Midlands Choice New Bus	$29	734%
Wellmark Hmo	$32	810%
Wellmark Ppo - All Other Plans	$35	886%
Medica Comm - All Other Plans	$40	1013%
Midlands Choice Pho (Ppo) - All Other Plans	$40	1013%
Multiplan - All Plans	$43	1089%

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 $32.
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 Cass County Memorial 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.