CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Texas Childrens Hospital North Austin Campus

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $40
Cash Discount Price: $42
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Texas Childrens Hospital North Austin Campus is $40. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $42. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 10.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9835 North Lake Creek Parkway Bldg A, Austin, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$42

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$40

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: $42 (1063%)

Insurance Median: $40 (1013%)

Cash: $42 (1063% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $40 (1013% 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 1013% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 913%). 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
Driscoll Children'S Health Plan Mcd	$4	101%
Superior Chip	$4	101%
Community Health Choice	$7 - $42	177%
First Care Health Plan	$16 - $42	405%
UnitedHealthcare	$16 - $42	405%
Molina Mcd	$17 - $20	430%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20 - $42	506%
Community First Health Plan Mcd	$23 - $26	582%
Cook Children'S Health Plan	$23 - $26	582%
Cigna	$33 - $42	835%
Aetna	$37 - $42	937%
Kelseycare	$38 - $43	962%
Healthsmart	$41 - $46	1038%
Evolutions Healthcare	$44 - $50	1114%
First Health	$51 - $63	1291%
Multiplan	$52 - $59	1316%
Galaxy Health Network	$55 - $63	1392%

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 $42.
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 Texas Childrens Hospital North Austin Campus 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.