CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Sanford Medical Center Fargo

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,506
Cash Discount Price: $2,505
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.70x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Sanford Medical Center Fargo is $1,506. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,505. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 2.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 801 Broadway North, Fargo, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,505

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,506

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: $2,505 (449%)

Insurance Median: $1,506 (270%)

Cash: $2,505 (449% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,506 (270% 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 270% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 170%). 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
Sanford Health Plan	$196	35%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$402 - $974	72%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$521	93%
Ucare	$559 - $2,201	100%
Aetna	$565 - $2,677	101%
Health Partners	$565 - $1,284	101%
Medicare (plans)	$565	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$565 - $2,727	101%
Primewest	$576 - $578	103%
Medica	$1,409 - $1,506	252%
Security Health Plan	$1,722	308%
Cigna	$2,818	505%
First Choice Health Network	$2,818	505%
Healthez	$2,818	505%
Multiplan	$2,818	505%

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 $2,505.
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 Sanford Medical Center Fargo 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.