CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: St Lukes Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $176
Cash Discount Price: $1,479
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.32x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at St Lukes Hospital is $176. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,479. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 0.32x the Medicare baseline. Located in 915 East 1St Street, Duluth, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,479

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$176

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: $1,479 (265%)

Insurance Median: $176 (32%)

Cash: $1,479 (265% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $176 (32% 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.

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
Ucare	$49 - $67	9%
Group Health Cooperative Of Eau Claire	$50	9%
Security Health Plan Of Wisconsin, Inc.	$50 - $1,473	9%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$51 - $1,211	9%
Medica	$51 - $220	9%
UnitedHealthcare	$62 - $220	11%
Aetna	$64 - $583	11%
Healthpartners	$64 - $577	11%
Tricare	$65	12%
Humana	$68 - $594	12%
America'S Ppo	$1,057	189%
Cigna	$1,138	204%
Wps	$2,326	417%

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 $1,479.
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 St Lukes 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.