Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)
Facility: Goodland Regional Medical Center
Billing Code: 93005 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 93005
- Insurance Median: $221
- Cash Discount Price: $221
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.67x 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 $60.27 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 367% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 267%). 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 | $164 | 272% |
| Wppa | $208 - $220 | 345% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $220 | 365% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 93005, representing an Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only), Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland, KS, lists a gross charge of $245.00. The facility's cash median rate is $221.00, which is notably lower than the negotiated rates paid by major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield ($164), Wppa ($208–$220), and UnitedHealthcare ($220). This pricing structure highlights a common billing dynamic where cash-pay options can be more affordable than insurance-covered services, particularly for patients with high-deductible plans who may face higher out-of-pocket costs if their insurer's negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. Since this is a Critical Access Hospital with government-local ownership, patients should proactively inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling to ensure they receive the most favorable rate available.
When evaluating the cost of this service, it is important to compare the facility's rates against the Medicare benchmark rather than the inflated chargemaster list. The Medicare amount for this procedure is $60.27, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of delivery. While the data does not provide specific state or county average comparisons for this exact code, the significant difference between the Medicare rate and the facility's cash median suggests a standard markup typical of commercial pricing. Consumers should be aware that balance billing is generally prohibited for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities under the No Surprises Act, and they should avoid signing consent waivers that might inadvertently allow for out-of-network billing on ancillary services. To ensure accuracy, patients