Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)

For this electrocardiogram (EKG) service at the University of KS Health System Great Bend Campus, the facility's cash median rate of $35.00 is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by most insurance plans, which range from $32 to $215 depending on the carrier. While Medicare sets a benchmark of $60.27, the facility's cash price offers a substantial discount for patients paying directly. However, commercial insurance contracts often result in higher out-of-pocket costs for members who have not yet met their deductibles, as the negotiated rates for many payers exceed the cash price. Patients should verify their specific deductible status before scheduling, as paying cash upfront may be more cost-effective if the insurance allowed amount is higher than the cash rate.

To minimize unexpected costs, patients should proactively ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% when paid in full before or shortly after the service. It is important to avoid balance billing, as federal protections like the No Surprises Act generally prevent providers from charging patients the difference between the chargemaster and the insurance allowed amount for out-of-network services at in-network facilities. If you receive a bill, always request a detailed, itemized statement rather than accepting a summary invoice, and consider filing a formal audit dispute if you identify errors, as over 80% of hospital bills contain inaccuracies that can be corrected.