Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)
Facility: Nmc Health
Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84520
- Insurance Median: $31
- Cash Discount Price: $33
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.85x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 785% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 685%). 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.
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 | $8 | 203% |
| Aetna | $12 | 304% |
| Wppa | $26 | 658% |
| Occunet | $28 | 709% |
| Medincrease Health Plan | $31 | 785% |
| Samaritan Ministries International | $31 | 785% |
| Prime Health Services | $35 | 886% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $42 | 1063% |
| Cigna | $45 | 1139% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test at Nmc Health in Newton, Kansas, the facility's cash median price of $33.00 is notably lower than the state average, which sits at $47.00. While commercial insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna negotiate rates ranging from $8 to $45, these negotiated amounts often exceed the cash price, meaning patients with high-deductible plans might save money by paying out-of-pocket. It is important to note that the facility's cash rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $3.95, reflecting standard commercial pricing structures; however, the negotiated rates for in-network payers remain well above the Medicare baseline, highlighting the typical markup found in commercial contracts.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate billing information, always request a full itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice that obscures individual charges. If you receive a bill, verify that no services were unbundled or that charges exist for items not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors that can be corrected through a formal written audit dispute. Additionally, since the facility offers a voluntary non-profit status, you should explicitly ask about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as paying upfront can often reduce the total cost further than the listed cash median.