CMS Price Transparency Data

Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 93005 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93005
Insurance Median: $188
Cash Discount Price: $300
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $188. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $300. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $60.27, this hospital’s rate is 3.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$300

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$188

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$60.27

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $60.27 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $300 (498%)

Insurance Median: $188 (312%)

Cash: $300 (498% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $188 (312% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $60.27 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 312% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 212%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$30 - $250	50%
Cigna	$57 - $275	95%
Humana	$58 - $400	96%
Wellcare	$58	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$60 - $247	100%
Devoted Health	$60	100%
Gateway	$60	100%
Liberty Advantage	$60	100%
Longevity Healthcare	$60	100%
Troy	$60	100%
Caresource North Carolina	$128	212%
Medcost	$250 - $343	415%
Directnet	$300	498%
Aetna	$305	506%
Prime Health Service	$375	622%
Multiplan	$425	705%

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 $300.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 93005.

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 93005.
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.