Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Facility: Lincoln County Hospital
Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93306
- Insurance Median: $1,532
- Cash Discount Price: $1,884
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.74x 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 274% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 174%). 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% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) procedure at Lincoln County Hospital in Lincoln, KS, the facility's negotiated rate of $1,532 is consistent with the single payer rate reported for Blue Cross Blue Shield. This negotiated amount is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $558.25, reflecting the typical administrative markup and contract dynamics inherent in commercial insurance pricing. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with government-local ownership, patients should be aware that the cash median price of $1,884 is actually higher than the negotiated rate, suggesting that using insurance may result in a lower out-of-pocket cost if the patient's deductible has been met. However, for those with high-deductible plans who have not yet met their coverage threshold, paying the cash price directly could be more financially advantageous than relying on a negotiated rate that may exceed their personal expenses.
To maximize savings, patients should proactively contact the hospital to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront. It is important to request a waiver of insurance submission before check-in to ensure the facility applies the cash rate rather than submitting a claim that could void the discount. Additionally, since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, patients should never accept a summary bill as final; instead, they should request a detailed, itemized statement to verify that no services were billed for that were not rendered or unbundled. By comparing the facility's rates directly to the Medicare benchmark and seeking prompt-pay incentives, consumers can avoid unexpected costs and ensure they are paying a fair price for this essential diagnostic service.