CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $16
Cash Discount Price: $22
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.05x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital is $16. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $22. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 4.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in 400 Highland Avenue, Lewistown, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$22

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$16

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: $22 (557%)

Insurance Median: $16 (405%)

Cash: $22 (557% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $16 (405% 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 405% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 305%). 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
Advantra	$4	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$4 - $19	101%
Geisinger Health Plan	$4 - $19	101%
Humana	$4	101%
Medicare (plans)	$4	101%
Upmc Health Plan	$4 - $11,890	101%
Medicaid / KanCare	$5	127%
Amerihealth	$6	152%
Geisinger Family Plan	$6	152%
Health Partners	$7	177%
Upmc Chip	$7	177%
Ambetter / Centene	$9	228%
Aetna	$15 - $18	380%
Cigna	$16 - $19	405%
UnitedHealthcare	$16	405%
Christian Healthcare Ministries	$18	456%
Christian Health Aid	$29	734%
Three Rivers Provider Network Inc.	$29	734%
Multiplan	$31	785%
Healthsmart Payors Organization	$32	810%

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 $22.
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 Geisinger-Lewistown 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.