CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney)

Facility: Charleston Area Medical Center

Billing Code: 84520 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84520
Insurance Median: $58
Cash Discount Price: $72
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.68x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, urea nitrogen (BUN, kidney) at Charleston Area Medical Center is $58. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $72. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3.95, this hospital’s rate is 14.68x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Morris Street, Charleston, WV.

Cash / Self-Pay

$72

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$58

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: $72 (1823%)

Insurance Median: $58 (1468%)

Cash: $72 (1823% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $58 (1468% 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 1468% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1368%). 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
Aetna	$4 - $74	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$4 - $68	101%
Choicecare Network	$4 - $74	101%
Optimum Choice Inc.	$4	101%
The Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$4 - $73	101%
Triwest Va	$4	101%
Unicare Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$4	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$4 - $74	101%
West Virginia Senior Advantage Inc.	$4	101%
Integrated Medical Solutions	$8	203%
Naphcare	$8	203%
Caresource	$10	253%
Tricare	$41 - $45	1038%
City Of Charleston	$52 - $56	1316%
Cigna	$64 - $70	1620%
Three Rivers Providers Network	$67 - $73	1696%
Healthsmart	$68 - $74	1722%
Multiplan	$68 - $74	1722%

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 $72.
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 Charleston Area 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.