Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)
Facility: Lincoln County Hospital
Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84520
- Insurance Median: $8
- Cash Discount Price: $36
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.03x 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 203% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 103%). 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% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test procedure at Lincoln County Hospital, the cash price of $36.00 is notably lower than the facility's gross charge of $41.00. While the hospital is a Critical Access Hospital in Lincoln, Kansas, and owned by the local government, the data indicates a single payer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a negotiated rate of $8.00. Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find the cash price more advantageous than the insurance negotiated rate, as paying out-of-pocket avoids the administrative overhead and potential deductibles associated with the commercial contract. It is important to note that while the facility is in-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield, the specific negotiated rate of $8.00 is significantly lower than the cash price, suggesting that for patients with active coverage, the insurance payment structure is the primary cost driver rather than the cash discount.
To ensure you are not overcharged, always request a full itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices often hide unbundled codes or services not rendered. If you receive a balance bill for the difference between the provider's chargemaster and your insurance allowed amount, you may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. Additionally, since the facility is a Critical Access Hospital, you should verify if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available if you choose to pay directly, as these programs offer immediate liquidity incentives that can reduce the final amount owed. Always dispute any unexpected charges in writing to avoid credit damage and ensure the billing reflects the actual services provided.