CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Palos Community Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $57
Cash Discount Price: $52
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Palos Community Hospital is $57. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $52. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 14.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12251 South 80Th Avenue, Palos Heights, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$52

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$57

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: $52 (1316%)

Insurance Median: $57 (1443%)

Cash: $52 (1316% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $57 (1443% 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 1443% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1343%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $91	253%
Aetna	$13 - $91	329%
Carelon Behavioral Health [159]	$30 - $46	759%
Healthlink [125]	$30 - $91	759%
Magellan Behavioral Hlth [136]	$37 - $55	937%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$43 - $91	1089%
Compsych [112]	$46 - $68	1165%
First Health Plan [6034]	$46 - $68	1165%
Beechstreet [176]	$49 - $73	1241%
Cigna	$49 - $91	1241%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$52 - $77	1316%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$61 - $91	1544%
Global Excel [1712]	$61 - $91	1544%
Health Alliance [181]	$61 - $91	1544%
UnitedHealthcare	$61 - $91	1544%

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 $52.
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 Palos Community 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.