CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $2,927
Cash Discount Price: $3,278
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $2,927. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,278. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 5.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,278

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,927

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: $3,278 (587%)

Insurance Median: $2,927 (524%)

Cash: $3,278 (587% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,927 (524% 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 524% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 424%). 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
Curaechoice [6100]	$566 - $986	101%
Aetna	$653 - $4,683	117%
Imagine Health [6032]	$653 - $1,138	117%
Cigna	$1,091 - $4,683	195%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,745 - $4,215	313%
Humana	$1,745 - $2,342	313%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$2,249 - $2,445	403%
Healthlink [125]	$2,342 - $4,683	420%
Medpartners [6038]	$2,714 - $2,950	486%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,730 - $4,683	489%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$3,044 - $3,981	545%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$3,746 - $4,683	671%
First Health Plan [6034]	$3,877 - $4,215	694%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$3,877 - $4,683	694%

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 $3,278.
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 Northwestern Memorial Hospital 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.