CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, chest (no contrast)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71250
Insurance Median: $222
Cash Discount Price: $389
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, chest (no contrast) at Duke University Hospital is $222. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $389. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$389

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$222

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $389 (364%)

Insurance Median: $222 (208%)

Cash: $389 (364% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $222 (208% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 208% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 108%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$99 - $1,427	93%
Aetna	$100 - $936	94%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$104 - $1,693	97%
Troy Health	$104 - $125	97%
Voans	$104 - $125	97%
Cigna	$106 - $1,693	99%
Humana	$106 - $1,439	99%
Liberty	$106 - $128	99%
Piedmont Health	$125	117%
Alliance Health	$220 - $303	206%
Amerihealth	$220 - $303	206%
Carolina Complete Health	$220 - $303	206%
Partners	$220 - $303	206%
Trillium	$220 - $303	206%
Sentara	$355 - $1,055	332%
Medcost	$736	689%

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 $389.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71250.

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 71250.
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.