CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: University of Louisville Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $18
Cash Discount Price: $9
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.56x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at University of Louisville Hospital is $18. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 4.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 530 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY.

Cash / Self-Pay

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$18

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3.95

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3.95 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $9 (228%)

Insurance Median: $18 (456%)

Cash: $9 (228% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $18 (456% of 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 456% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 356%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

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	$3 - $41	76%
Aetna	$4 - $7	101%
Communicare	$4	101%
Devoted	$4 - $12	101%
Essence Health	$4	101%
Humana	$4 - $7	101%
Passport	$4 - $20	101%
Senior Care Community Of Ky	$4	101%
Signature	$4 - $20	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $20	101%
Va Ccn	$4	101%
Key Benefit Administrators	$5	127%
Velocity	$5 - $40	127%
Wellcare	$5 - $6	127%
Cigna	$6	152%
Prime Group Health	$10 - $35	253%
Cshn	$23 - $41	582%
Multiplan	$23 - $37	582%
Encore	$24 - $29	608%
Health Smart	$26 - $31	658%
Omca	$33 - $39	835%
Corvel	$35 - $41	886%
National Comp Care	$35 - $41	886%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $9.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84520.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Louisville Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84520.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.