Ultrasound, leg veins (duplex)
Facility: Lincoln County Hospital
Billing Code: 93970 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93970
- Insurance Median: $481
- Cash Discount Price: $651
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.97x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $481 | 197% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this ultrasound of leg veins (duplex) at Lincoln County Hospital in Lincoln, KS, the facility's negotiated rate with Blue Cross Blue Shield is $481, which matches the lowest and highest reported rates for this service in the area. This negotiated amount is significantly higher than the cash median of $651, meaning patients paying out-of-pocket directly may find the cash price more favorable if their insurance deductible has not yet been met. It is important to note that while commercial negotiated rates often include administrative overhead and claims processing costs, the cash price here is actually lower than the insurer's allowed amount, suggesting that paying upfront could result in immediate savings for those without active coverage or high-deductible plans.
The facility's pricing also compares favorably against federal benchmarks, with the Medicare amount of $243.77 serving as a baseline for the true cost of care. While the gross charge listed is $724, the actual payment expected by the insurer is $481, indicating a substantial markup on the federal rate. Patients should be aware that hospitals like this Critical Access Hospital often offer prompt-pay discounts for self-pay patients who settle their bills in full within 30 days, which can further reduce the final cost. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is recommended to explicitly request a self-pay classification and ask about any prompt-pay discounts before scheduling your appointment, rather than waiting until after the service is rendered.