CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $813
Cash Discount Price: $2,473
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.46x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $813. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,473. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 1.46x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,473

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$813

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: $2,473 (443%)

Insurance Median: $813 (146%)

Cash: $2,473 (443% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $813 (146% 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	$268 - $813	48%
Cigna	$511 - $2,267	92%
Humana	$522 - $3,297	94%
Wellcare	$527	94%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$537 - $2,036	96%
Devoted Health	$537	96%
Gateway	$537	96%
Longevity Healthcare	$537	96%
Liberty Advantage	$542	97%
Troy	$542	97%
Mdsave	$729	131%
Caresource North Carolina	$1,150	206%
Medcost	$2,061 - $2,823	369%
Directnet	$2,473	443%
Aetna	$2,510	450%
Prime Health Service	$3,091	554%
Multiplan	$3,503	627%

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 $2,473.
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 Catawba Valley 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.