CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,730
Cash Discount Price: $2,196
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center is $1,730. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,196. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 3.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,196

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,730

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: $2,196 (393%)

Insurance Median: $1,730 (310%)

Cash: $2,196 (393% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,730 (310% 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 310% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 210%). 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
Primewest	$576 - $1,153	103%
Ucare	$576 - $2,412	103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$850 - $1,700	152%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,043	187%
Aetna	$1,131 - $2,385	203%
Health Partners	$1,131 - $2,223	203%
Medicare (plans)	$1,131	203%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,131 - $2,292	203%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,471 - $1,730	264%
Security Health Plan	$1,510	270%
Medica	$2,413 - $2,597	432%
Cigna	$2,470	442%
First Choice Health Network	$2,470	442%
Healthez	$2,470	442%
Multiplan	$2,470	442%

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 $2,196.
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 Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center 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.