Ultrasound, leg veins (duplex)
Facility: Greeley County Health Services
Billing Code: 93970 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93970
- Insurance Median: $43
- Cash Discount Price: $746
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.18x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $43 | 18% |
| Aetna | $43 | 18% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $624 | 256% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For CPT code 93970, an ultrasound of the leg veins, Greeley County Health Services in Tribune, Kansas, lists a cash price of $746.00, which is lower than the facility's gross charge of $1,065.00. This service is covered by three payers, including Medicaid/KanCare and Aetna, both of which have a negotiated rate of $43.00, while Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiates $624.00. It is important to note that while insurance plans often pay significantly less than the cash price, patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash option more affordable if their out-of-pocket costs exceed the $746.00 amount. Additionally, patients should verify if the facility offers "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, as paying upfront can sometimes reduce the final balance further.
When evaluating costs, it is crucial to compare rates against the Medicare benchmark rather than the hospital's full list price. The Medicare amount for this procedure is $243.77, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of care. Commercial negotiated rates often exceed this baseline, and patients should be aware that balance billing—where a provider bills the difference between the allowed amount and the cash price—can occur if a patient is out-of-network or if ancillary services are not covered under the No Surprises Act protections. To avoid unexpected charges, consumers should request an itemized bill to ensure no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included, and they should dispute any balance bills immediately rather than accepting summary invoices as final.