CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 84520
  • Insurance Median: $44
  • Cash Discount Price: $46
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.14x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is $44. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $46. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 11.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$46

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$44

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: $46 (1165%)
Insurance Median: $44 (1114%)
Cash: $46 (1165% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $44 (1114% 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 1114% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1014%). 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.

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 - $67 101%
Cigna $4 - $74 101%
Humana $4 - $76 101%
UnitedHealthcare $4 - $47 101%
Alliance $5 - $24 127%
Amerihealth Caritas $5 - $20 127%
Carolina Complete Health $5 - $92 127%
Healthy Blue $5 - $21 127%
Ortho Carolina $5 127%
Partners $5 - $20 127%
Trillium $5 - $22 127%
Vaya $5 - $21 127%
Wellcare $5 - $21 127%
Molina $6 152%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $7 - $54 177%
Sandhills $20 506%
Ambetter / Centene $27 - $44 684%
Medcost $29 - $55 734%
Employers Health Network $41 - $49 1038%
Physician Reach Out $46 1165%
Magellan $55 1392%
Gmmi $60 1519%
Quik Trip $60 1519%
Carolina Behavioral Health $67 - $74 1696%
Choicecare $67 - $68 1696%
First Health $74 - $81 1873%
Healthgram $74 1873%
Private Health Care Systems $74 - $76 1873%
Provider Select $75 - $83 1899%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care $76 1924%
Beechstreet $80 - $81 2025%
Multiplan $83 2101%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals