CMS Price Transparency Data

Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)

Facility: Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside

Billing Code: 93005 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93005
Insurance Median: $330
Cash Discount Price: $147
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.48x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only) at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside is $330. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $147. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $60.27, this hospital’s rate is 5.48x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 Frist Court, Columbus, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$147

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$330

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: $147 (244%)

Insurance Median: $330 (548%)

Cash: $147 (244% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $330 (548% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 548% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 448%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$57 - $58	95%
Cigna	$224 - $332	372%
UnitedHealthcare	$285 - $439	473%
Kaiser [10500]	$327	543%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$332	551%
Phcs [10601]	$342	567%
Novanet [10819]	$366	607%
Aetna	$388	644%
First Health [10303]	$391	649%
Multiplan [10600]	$415	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 $147.
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 Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside 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.