CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $547
Cash Discount Price: $609
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Duke University Hospital is $547. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $609. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 0.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$609

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$547

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: $609 (109%)

Insurance Median: $547 (98%)

Cash: $609 (109% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $547 (98% 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
UnitedHealthcare	$177 - $3,233	32%
Aetna	$178 - $2,094	32%
Humana	$184 - $3,181	33%
Piedmont Health	$186	33%
Troy Health	$186 - $534	33%
Voans	$186 - $534	33%
Cigna	$190 - $3,742	34%
Liberty	$190 - $545	34%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$191 - $1,923	34%
Alliance Health	$207 - $940	37%
Amerihealth	$207 - $940	37%
Carolina Complete Health	$207 - $940	37%
Partners	$207 - $940	37%
Trillium	$207 - $940	37%
Sentara	$451 - $2,331	81%
Medcost	$1,223 - $1,594	219%

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 $609.
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 Duke University 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.