CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, leg veins (duplex)

Facility: St Lukes Hospital

Billing Code: 93970 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93970
Insurance Median: $81
Cash Discount Price: $494
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.33x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, leg veins (duplex) at St Lukes Hospital is $81. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $494. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.33x the Medicare baseline. Located in 915 East 1St Street, Duluth, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$494

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$81

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: $494 (203%)

Insurance Median: $81 (33%)

Cash: $494 (203% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $81 (33% 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.

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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$23 - $534	9%
Medica	$23 - $29	9%
Ucare	$23 - $31	9%
Aetna	$30 - $254	12%
Security Health Plan Of Wisconsin, Inc.	$30 - $1,473	12%
Tricare	$30	12%
UnitedHealthcare	$30 - $103	12%
Humana	$31 - $259	13%
Healthpartners	$81 - $252	33%
America'S Ppo	$328	135%

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 $494.
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 St Lukes Hospital 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.