CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $50
Cash Discount Price: $70
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Boston Children's Hospital is $50. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $70. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 12.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$70

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$50

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: $70 (1772%)

Insurance Median: $50 (1266%)

Cash: $70 (1772% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $50 (1266% 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 1266% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1166%). 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	$14 - $46	354%
Unicare	$16	405%
Cdphp	$34 - $60	861%
Harvard Pilgrim	$36 - $47	911%
Aetna	$42 - $59	1063%
United	$42 - $58	1063%
Mgb/Allways	$43 - $52	1089%
Tufts Public Plan	$43	1089%
Ambetter / Centene	$44	1114%
United Ri Nj Ny	$44	1114%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$46	1165%
UnitedHealthcare	$46 - $60	1165%
Carelon/Beacon	$52	1316%
Fallon	$53 - $54	1342%
Health New England	$57	1443%
Cigna	$60 - $63	1519%
Ets/Lifetrac	$60	1519%
Interlink Transplant	$60	1519%
Community Health Options	$63	1595%
Humana	$63	1595%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$64	1620%
Multiplan/Phcs	$64 - $66	1620%

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 $70.
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 Boston Children's 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.