Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Facility: Rawlins County Health Center
Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93306
- Insurance Median: $2,401
- Cash Discount Price: $2,346
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.30x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 430% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 330%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $1,532 | 274% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $2,401 | 430% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, KS, the cash price of $2,346 is lower than the negotiated rates paid by major insurers like UnitedHealthcare ($2,401) and Blue Cross Blue Shield ($1,532). While the cash rate appears competitive, it is important to note that commercial insurance contracts often include administrative overhead that can inflate the final allowed amount compared to direct cash payment. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash price upfront, as the $2,346 rate is significantly lower than the insurer's negotiated ceiling. However, patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status and ask the facility directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront incentives can further reduce the total cost.
The facility's pricing is evaluated against federal benchmarks to ensure transparency. The Medicare reimbursement rate for this service is $558.25, which serves as the objective baseline for evaluating the facility's markup. While the data does not provide specific state or county average comparisons for this procedure, the Medicare rate reveals that the commercial negotiated rates are substantially higher than the federal cost basis. To avoid unexpected costs, patients should request a full itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as hospitals may bundle services or unbundling codes that could lead to double-charging. If a balance bill arises from an out-of-network ancillary service, patients are protected under the No Surprises Act and should dispute the bill in writing rather than paying immediately out of fear of credit damage.