Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84520
- Insurance Median: $4
- Cash Discount Price: $17
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.01x 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Smarthealth | $1 - $6 | 25% |
| Va | $4 | 101% |
| Providrs Care | $4 | 101% |
| Humana | $4 | 101% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $4 | 101% |
| Medicare (plans) | $4 | 101% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $4 - $11 | 101% |
| Aetna | $4 | 101% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $7 | 177% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $9 - $66 | 228% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test service at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc, the cash price of $17.00 is significantly lower than the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. While the facility's negotiated rate of $4.00 is slightly higher than the cash price, it remains well below the gross chargemaster of $42.00. Patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more advantageous if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds $17.00, as paying out-of-pocket could result in immediate savings compared to the administrative overhead and contract terms associated with insurance billing.
The facility's pricing is benchmarked against the Medicare rate of $3.95, which serves as the federal baseline for healthcare costs. Although the cash price of $17.00 is higher than the Medicare amount, it is substantially lower than the gross charge, reflecting the facility's commitment to fair pricing. To maximize potential savings, patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amounts before scheduling and inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront. Always request an itemized bill to ensure accuracy and avoid unexpected charges.