CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $2,146
Cash Discount Price: $3,004
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $2,146. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,004. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 3.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,004

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,146

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%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $3,004 (538%)

Insurance Median: $2,146 (384%)

Cash: $3,004 (538% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,146 (384% 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 384% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 284%). 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
Immergrun	$157 - $1,115	28%
Aetna	$175 - $3,434	31%
Iowa Total Care	$175 - $1,784	31%
Medical Associates	$175 - $2,988	31%
Molina Healthcare	$175 - $1,784	31%
UnitedHealthcare	$175 - $3,390	31%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$178 - $2,141	32%
Healthpartners	$178 - $3,791	32%
American Health Plan	$183 - $542	33%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$183 - $542	33%
Oscar Health	$396 - $2,810	71%
Great River Health Systems	$440 - $3,122	79%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$471 - $3,345	84%
Aplos Health Plan	$501 - $3,568	90%
Sedgwick	$502 - $3,568	90%
Global Excel	$534 - $3,791	96%
Sanford Health Plan	$534 - $3,791	96%
Employee Benefit Systems	$553 - $4,014	99%
Sisco	$553 - $3,925	99%
Healthsmart	$565 - $4,014	101%
Hfn	$578 - $4,103	104%
Multiplan	$578 - $4,103	104%
Midlands Choice	$804 - $2,899	144%

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 $3,004.
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 University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics 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.