CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: St Vincent's Birmingham

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,844
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at St Vincent's Birmingham is $1,844. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 3.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 St Vincent's Drive, Birmingham, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,844

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$558.25

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $558.25 (100%)

Insurance Median: $1,844 (330%)

Ins. Median: $1,844 (330% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $558.25 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 330% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 230%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$177 - $687	32%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$480	86%
Cooper Green	$500	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$500 - $738	90%
Humana	$505 - $1,932	90%
Aetna	$515 - $1,534	92%
Cigna	$515 - $1,233	92%
Prime Health Services	$525 - $2,581	94%
Seven Corners	$675	121%
Viva	$1,756 - $1,840	315%
Construction Claims Management	$2,115 - $2,216	379%
Corvel	$2,115 - $2,216	379%
Alamed	$2,239 - $2,346	401%
Comp One	$2,239 - $2,346	401%
Multiplan	$2,342 - $2,454	420%
Pnoa	$2,342 - $2,454	420%
Novanet	$2,488 - $2,607	446%

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 $X.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 93306.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm St Vincent's Birmingham is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 93306.
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.