CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Blue Ridge Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,048
Cash Discount Price: $2,604
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.88x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is $1,048. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,604. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 1.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 125 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,604

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,048

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: $2,604 (466%)

Insurance Median: $1,048 (188%)

Cash: $2,604 (466% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,048 (188% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$387 - $468	69%
United	$412 - $1,320	74%
Wellcare	$418 - $482	75%
Amerihealth	$422 - $487	76%
Partners Health Management	$426 - $492	76%
Vaya Health	$426 - $492	76%
Aetna	$484 - $2,018	87%
Apex Health	$484 - $558	87%
Cigna	$822 - $1,142	147%
Amerihealth Caritas	$895 - $1,033	160%
Caresource	$1,064 - $1,228	191%
Medcost	$1,127 - $1,445	202%
Magellan	$1,451 - $1,675	260%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$1,451 - $1,675	260%
Multiplan	$1,934 - $2,233	346%
Avalon Administrative Services	$2,055 - $2,372	368%
Prime Health	$2,127 - $2,512	381%

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 $2,604.
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 Blue Ridge Regional 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.