Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)
Facility: Rawlins County Health Center
Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84520
- Insurance Median: $22
- Cash Discount Price: $51
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.57x 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 557% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 457%). 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% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $22 - $83 | 557% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 84520, representing a blood test for urea nitrogen (BUN), Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, Kansas, lists a cash median price of $51.00. This cash rate is notably lower than the facility's negotiated rates, which range from $22.00 to $83.00 depending on the insurance plan. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients should be aware that commercial insurance negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract dynamics. In cases where a patient has a high deductible or no insurance, paying the cash median of $51.00 directly may result in a lower out-of-pocket cost compared to the allowed amounts charged by Blue Cross Blue Shield or UnitedHealthcare.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, it is critical to request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as summary bills can obscure individual line items and potential errors. Additionally, patients should verify if the facility offers a prompt-pay discount, which could further reduce the $51.00 cash price by paying in full upfront. While the Medicare benchmark for this service is $3.95, commercial rates are typically higher to cover provider costs and administrative fees; however, the cash price remains a strong baseline for comparison. Always confirm the specific self-pay or prompt-pay terms with the billing department prior to scheduling to avoid unexpected charges.