CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, PSA (prostate screen)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 84153 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84153
Insurance Median: $51
Cash Discount Price: $92
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.77x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, PSA (prostate screen) at Duke University Hospital is $51. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $92. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $18.39, this hospital’s rate is 2.77x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$92

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$51

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$18.39

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $18.39 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $92 (500%)

Insurance Median: $51 (277%)

Cash: $92 (500% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $51 (277% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $18.39 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 277% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 177%). 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	$17 - $130	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$18 - $119	98%
Humana	$18 - $200	98%
Troy Health	$18	98%
UnitedHealthcare	$18 - $59	98%
Voans	$18	98%
Cigna	$19 - $235	103%
Liberty	$19	103%
Alliance Health	$23 - $59	125%
Amerihealth	$23 - $59	125%
Carolina Complete Health	$23 - $59	125%
Partners	$23	125%
Trillium	$23 - $59	125%
Medcost	$100	544%
Sentara	$146	794%

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 $92.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84153.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Duke University Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84153.
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.