CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Mercy Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $85
Cash Discount Price: $45
vs. Medicare Baseline: 21.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Mercy Regional Medical Center is $85. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $45. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 21.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 E Main, Ville Platte, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$45

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$85

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: $45 (1139%)

Insurance Median: $85 (2152%)

Cash: $45 (1139% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $85 (2152% 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 2152% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2052%). 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
Aetna	$4 - $18	101%
Mcd Hmo Amerigroup	$4 - $18	101%
Mcd Hmo Com Hlth Solution	$4 - $20	101%
Mcd Hmo La Care	$4 - $18	101%
Mcd Hmo La Hlth Cr Connct	$4 - $18	101%
Medicaid / KanCare	$4 - $152	101%
Medicare (plans)	$4 - $152	101%
Pp0/Manged Care	$4 - $152	101%
Tricare	$4 - $152	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $18	101%
Ppo/Manged Care	$5 - $152	127%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8	203%
Charity/Map	$45 - $152	1139%
American Postal Workers	$121	3063%
Work Comp	$136	3443%
Commerical	$152	3848%
Commerical Ip	$152	3848%
Mcr American Hlth Adv	$152	3848%
Mra Auto/Liability	$152	3848%

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 $45.
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 Mercy Regional Medical Center 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.