CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Nationwide Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $52
Cash Discount Price: $51
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Nationwide Children's Hospital is $52. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $51. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 13.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$51

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$52

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: $51 (1291%)

Insurance Median: $52 (1316%)

Cash: $51 (1291% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $52 (1316% 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 1316% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1216%). 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
Caresource	$6 - $38	152%
UnitedHealthcare	$8 - $77	203%
Mmo	$11 - $70	278%
Aetna	$12 - $77	304%
Ahpo	$12 - $76	304%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$12 - $76	304%
Cigna	$12 - $76	304%
Front Path Health Coalition	$12 - $76	304%
Humana	$12 - $77	304%
Ohc	$12 - $75	304%
Ohg	$12 - $73	304%
Ohio Ppo Connect	$12 - $75	304%
Osu	$12 - $75	304%
The Health Plan	$12 - $78	304%
Unicare	$12 - $77	304%
Emerald Health	$13 - $79	329%
First Health	$13 - $79	329%
Phcs	$13 - $79	329%
Amerihealth	$18	456%
Bchp	$18	456%
Molina	$18	456%

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 $51.
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 Nationwide 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.