Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)
Facility: Wichita County Health Center
Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84520
- Insurance Median: $23
- Cash Discount Price: $20
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.82x 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 582% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 482%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $21 | 532% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $25 | 633% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas, the cash median price is $20.00, which is 5.8% lower than the Medicare benchmark of $3.95. While the facility's negotiated rates with UnitedHealthcare and Medicaid/KanCare are set at $25.00 and $21.00 respectively, patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more advantageous if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds this amount. It is important to note that the cash price of $20.00 is significantly lower than the facility's median negotiated rate of $23.00, and patients should always inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts before scheduling to ensure they are receiving the most favorable pricing available.
When reviewing your final invoice, be sure to request a detailed itemized bill rather than accepting a summary statement that groups charges into broad categories like "Laboratory." This step helps identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services that were not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain inaccuracies that can be corrected through a formal written audit dispute. Additionally, while the facility is in-network for the two payers listed, remember that in-network status does not guarantee the lowest possible price, as commercial contracts vary; always verify the specific allowed amount for your plan before proceeding.