CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Carolina East Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $38
Cash Discount Price: $34
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Carolina East Medical Center is $38. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $34. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 9.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$34

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$38

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: $34 (861%)

Insurance Median: $38 (962%)

Cash: $34 (861% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $38 (962% 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 962% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 862%). 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
Humana	$4	101%
Inclusive Health (Nchirp)-All Plans	$4	101%
Tricare	$4 - $60	101%
Pamlico Co Jail-All Plans	$7 - $16	177%
UnitedHealthcare	$9 - $43	228%
Craven Co. Jail Systems - All Plans	$10 - $20	253%
Medcost Ppo Employees And Retirees	$17 - $39	430%
Medcost Ppo Ultra (Employees)	$17 - $38	430%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$18 - $41	456%
Medcost Ppo City Employees	$19 - $44	481%
Medcost Ppo County Employee	$20 - $45	506%
Benefit Mgmt, Svcs-All Plans	$22 - $51	557%
Acs Consult Svc Inc-All Plans	$23 - $54	582%
Aetna	$23 - $53	582%
Medcost Benefit Svc-All Other Plans	$23 - $53	582%
Medcost Ppo Standard	$23 - $54	582%
Cigna	$24 - $55	608%

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 $34.
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 Carolina East 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.