CMS Price Transparency Data

Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 93005 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93005
Insurance Median: $40
Cash Discount Price: $74
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only) at Duke University Hospital is $40. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $74. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $60.27, this hospital’s rate is 0.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$74

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$40

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$60.27

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $60.27 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $74 (123%)

Insurance Median: $40 (66%)

Cash: $74 (123% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $40 (66% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $60.27 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
Aetna	$5 - $130	8%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$6 - $123	10%
Humana	$6 - $200	10%
Piedmont Health	$6	10%
Troy Health	$6 - $58	10%
UnitedHealthcare	$6 - $230	10%
Voans	$6 - $58	10%
Cigna	$7 - $235	12%
Liberty	$7 - $59	12%
Alliance Health	$9 - $70	15%
Amerihealth	$9 - $70	15%
Carolina Complete Health	$9 - $70	15%
Partners	$9 - $59	15%
Trillium	$9 - $70	15%
Sentara	$17 - $146	28%
Medcost	$100	166%

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 $74.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 93005.

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 93005.
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.