CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Highlands Cashiers Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,248
Cash Discount Price: $2,791
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Highlands Cashiers Hospital is $1,248. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,791. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 2.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,791

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,248

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: $2,791 (500%)

Insurance Median: $1,248 (224%)

Cash: $2,791 (500% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,248 (224% 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 224% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 124%). 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
Apex Health	$558	100%
Cigna	$915 - $1,239	164%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$950 - $1,005	170%
United	$964 - $1,691	173%
Wellcare	$978	175%
Amerihealth	$988	177%
Partners Health Management	$997	179%
Vaya Health	$997	179%
Amerihealth Caritas	$1,061	190%
Caresource	$1,228	220%
Medcost	$1,309 - $1,575	234%
Aetna	$1,340 - $2,029	240%
Magellan	$1,675	300%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$1,675	300%
Multiplan	$2,233	400%
Avalon Administrative Services	$2,372	425%
Prime Health	$2,456 - $2,512	440%

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 $2,791.
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 Highlands Cashiers 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.