CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, leg veins (duplex)

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 93970 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93970
Insurance Median: $961
Cash Discount Price: $1,401
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, leg veins (duplex) at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $961. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,401. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,401

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$961

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,401 (575%)

Insurance Median: $961 (394%)

Cash: $1,401 (575% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $961 (394% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 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 394% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 294%). 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
Immergrun	$81 - $500	33%
Aetna	$164 - $1,199	67%
Iowa Total Care	$164 - $801	67%
Medical Associates	$164 - $1,341	67%
Molina Healthcare	$164 - $801	67%
UnitedHealthcare	$164 - $1,522	67%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$166 - $961	68%
Healthpartners	$167 - $1,702	69%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$172 - $239	71%
Oscar Health	$205 - $1,261	84%
Great River Health Systems	$228 - $1,401	94%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$244 - $1,502	100%
Sedgwick	$260 - $1,602	107%
Global Excel	$276 - $1,702	113%
Sanford Health Plan	$276 - $1,702	113%
Employee Benefit Systems	$286 - $1,802	117%
Sisco	$286 - $1,762	117%
Healthsmart	$292 - $1,802	120%
Hfn	$299 - $1,842	123%
Multiplan	$299 - $1,842	123%
Aplos Health Plan	$385 - $1,602	158%
Midlands Choice	$698 - $1,301	286%

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 $1,401.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 93970.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 93970.
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.