Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)
Facility: Providence Medical Center
Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84520
- Insurance Median: $4
- Cash Discount Price: $3
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigna | $4 | 101% |
| Healthy Blue | $4 | 101% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $4 - $7 | 101% |
| Medicare (plans) | $4 | 101% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $4 | 101% |
| Midland Care Connection | $4 | 101% |
| Kansas Superior Select | $4 | 101% |
| Aetna | $4 - $7 | 101% |
| Celtic | $4 - $6 | 101% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $4 - $9 | 101% |
| Tricare | $4 | 101% |
| Corizon | $5 | 127% |
| Naphcare | $6 | 152% |
| Well Path Prison | $6 | 152% |
| Employer Direct Healthcare | $6 | 152% |
| Centurion | $6 | 152% |
| Comp Alliance - Fka Compresults Worker Compensation | $8 | 203% |
| Oha Networks | $9 | 228% |
| Worker Compensation | $9 | 228% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test procedure at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, the facility's cash median rate of $3.00 is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by insurance plans, which average $4.00. While the facility's negotiated rate is slightly higher than the state average, patients with high-deductible plans might find paying the cash price directly more cost-effective, as the insurance allowed amount often exceeds the cash rate. It is important to note that while the facility is a voluntary non-profit church-owned acute care hospital, commercial insurance contracts can sometimes result in higher out-of-pocket costs than self-pay options.
Patients should be aware that even though this service is covered by many payers including Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare, the final cost depends heavily on whether you are using insurance or paying directly. If you choose to pay with insurance, be cautious of balance billing if you are out-of-network, though the No Surprises Act protects you from surprise bills for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. To ensure you are not overcharged, always request a full itemized bill before paying, as summary bills can hide errors or unbundled charges. Additionally, ask the billing department about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the total amount owed if you settle the bill upfront, potentially saving you money compared to the standard negotiated rate.