Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Facility: Stevens County Hospital
Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93306
- Insurance Median: $2,241
- Cash Discount Price: $2,576
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.01x 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 401% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 301%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $953 | 171% |
| Aetna | $982 - $2,576 | 176% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $1,456 - $1,532 | 261% |
| First Health - All Plans | $2,318 | 415% |
| Wppa - All Plans | $2,447 | 438% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $2,576 | 461% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton, KS, the cash price is $2,576, which matches the facility's gross chargemaster rate and the median cash payment. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, the negotiated rates vary significantly by insurer, ranging from $953 for Humana to $2,576 for Medicaid/KanCare. It is important to note that commercial insurance plans often pay negotiated rates that exceed the cash price; for instance, Aetna's negotiated range extends up to the full gross amount. Patients with high-deductible plans or those who have already met their out-of-pocket maximum may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash price directly, as this avoids the administrative layers and higher negotiated ceilings that insurance contracts impose.
To ensure you are receiving the best possible rate, you should verify your specific plan's negotiated amount before scheduling, as in-network rates can differ widely even within the same facility. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if settled upfront. Additionally, if you have received a bill from an out-of-network provider or for services like emergency care at an in-network facility, you may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which prevents balance billing for these specific scenarios. Always request a full itemized bill to review every code and charge, as summary bills often obscure errors or unbundled services that could be disputed to lower your final payment.