CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $2,039
Cash Discount Price: $2,872
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.65x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Boston Children's Hospital is $2,039. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,872. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 3.65x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,872

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,039

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$558.25

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $558.25 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,872 (514%)

Insurance Median: $2,039 (365%)

Cash: $2,872 (514% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,039 (365% of 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 365% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 265%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Unicare	$789	141%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,200 - $1,896	215%
Cdphp	$1,407 - $2,441	252%
Harvard Pilgrim	$1,460 - $1,941	262%
United	$1,718 - $2,400	308%
Aetna	$1,723 - $2,408	309%
Mgb/Allways	$1,746 - $2,123	313%
Tufts Public Plan	$1,764 - $1,768	316%
United Ri Nj Ny	$1,809	324%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,815	325%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$1,867	334%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,867 - $2,441	334%
Carelon/Beacon	$2,154	386%
Fallon	$2,191 - $2,214	392%
Health New England	$2,321	416%
Cigna	$2,441 - $2,592	437%
Ets/Lifetrac	$2,441	437%
Interlink Transplant	$2,441	437%
Community Health Options	$2,585	463%
Humana	$2,585	463%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$2,642	473%
Multiplan/Phcs	$2,642 - $2,728	473%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $2,872.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 93306.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Boston Children's Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 93306.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.