CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: St Josephs Area Health Services

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,915
Cash Discount Price: $1,773
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at St Josephs Area Health Services is $1,915. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,773. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 3.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 600 Pleasant Avenue, Park Rapids, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,773

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,915

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: $1,773 (318%)

Insurance Median: $1,915 (343%)

Cash: $1,773 (318% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,915 (343% 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 343% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 243%). 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	$862 - $1,987	154%
Humana	$1,085 - $1,107	194%
Medica	$1,085 - $2,801	194%
Prime West Health	$1,085 - $1,140	194%
Health Partners	$1,117 - $2,866	200%
South Country Health Alliance	$1,117 - $1,140	200%
Ucare	$1,140 - $2,866	204%
United	$2,330 - $2,703	417%
Sanford Health Plan	$3,032 - $3,094	543%

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 $1,773.
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 Josephs Area Health Services 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.