Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Facility: Saint John Hospital
Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93306
- Insurance Median: $515
- Cash Discount Price: $514
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.92x 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 $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.
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 | $292 | 52% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $292 - $721 | 52% |
| Celtic | $297 - $824 | 53% |
| Healthy Blue | $297 - $541 | 53% |
| Aetna | $298 - $515 | 53% |
| Oha Networks | $352 | 63% |
| Worker Compensation | $363 | 65% |
| Tricare | $515 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $515 | 92% |
| Cigna | $515 | 92% |
| Midland Care Connection | $515 | 92% |
| Kansas Superior Select | $525 | 94% |
| Well Path | $721 | 129% |
| Employer Direct Healthcare | $721 | 129% |
| Corizon | $721 | 129% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $728 - $1,532 | 130% |
| Centurion | $772 | 138% |
| Naphcare | $798 | 143% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) procedure at Saint John Hospital in Leavenworth, KS, the facility's cash price of $514.00 is significantly lower than the typical negotiated rates charged by insurance plans, which range from $292 to $1,532 depending on the carrier. While the hospital's negotiated rate of $515.00 is nearly identical to the cash price, many commercial payers charge substantially more, with Blue Cross Blue Shield rates reaching up to $1,532. This discrepancy highlights that in-network status does not guarantee the lowest possible cost, as some insurers negotiate higher rates than the facility's self-pay option. Additionally, the facility's cash price is roughly 93% of the Medicare benchmark of $558.25, indicating a pricing structure that aligns closely with federal cost standards rather than inflated chargemaster lists.
Patients should be aware that while the median amount paid by insurers was $1,953.00, the cash price offers a substantial alternative for those with high-deductible plans or those who can pay upfront. To maximize savings, individuals should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these can reduce the bill by 20% to 50% by bypassing administrative claim processing fees. It is also important to verify that no balance billing will occur, as federal protections under the No Surprises Act generally prevent out-of-network providers from billing patients for services rendered at in-network facilities. Finally, if a large bill is received, consumers should demand a full itemized audit to identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered,