CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Buffalo Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,423
Cash Discount Price: $1,251
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.55x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Buffalo Hospital is $1,423. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,251. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 2.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 303 Catlin Street, Buffalo, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,251

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,423

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: $1,251 (224%)

Insurance Median: $1,423 (255%)

Cash: $1,251 (224% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,423 (255% 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 255% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 155%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$277 - $854	50%
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$415 - $484	74%
Medicaid / KanCare	$521	93%
Aetna	$535 - $1,430	96%
South Country Health Alliance	$536	96%
Medicare (plans)	$563	101%
Medica	$586 - $1,841	105%
Medica Health System	$1,052 - $1,937	188%
Health Partners	$1,373 - $1,775	246%
Healthpartners	$1,396 - $1,629	250%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,421 - $1,657	255%
Medica Mhps	$1,578 - $1,841	283%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$1,591 - $1,856	285%
Medica Ub Health (B)	$1,646 - $1,920	295%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$1,732 - $2,021	310%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$1,732 - $2,021	310%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$2,062 - $2,406	369%

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 $1,251.
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 Buffalo 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.