CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $55
Cash Discount Price: $161
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Duke University Hospital is $55. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $161. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 6.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$161

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$55

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$8.62

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $8.62 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $161 (1868%)

Insurance Median: $55 (638%)

Cash: $161 (1868% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $55 (638% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $8.62 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 638% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 538%). 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	$8 - $280	93%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8 - $236	93%
UnitedHealthcare	$8 - $157	93%
Cigna	$9 - $74	104%
Humana	$9 - $125	104%
Liberty	$9	104%
Troy Health	$9	104%
Voans	$9	104%
Alliance Health	$11 - $37	128%
Amerihealth	$11 - $37	128%
Carolina Complete Health	$11 - $37	128%
Partners	$11	128%
Trillium	$11 - $37	128%
Medcost	$62 - $64	719%
Sentara	$91 - $92	1056%

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 $161.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 87070.

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 87070.
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.