CMS Price Transparency Data

Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)

Facility: Sanford Medical Center Fargo

Billing Code: 93005 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93005
Insurance Median: $172
Cash Discount Price: $286
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only) at Sanford Medical Center Fargo is $172. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $286. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $60.27, this hospital’s rate is 2.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 801 Broadway North, Fargo, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$286

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$172

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: $286 (475%)

Insurance Median: $172 (285%)

Cash: $286 (475% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $172 (285% 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 285% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 185%). 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	$6	10%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$45 - $108	75%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$56	93%
Aetna	$61 - $306	101%
Health Partners	$61 - $147	101%
Medicare (plans)	$61	101%
Ucare	$61 - $252	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$61 - $312	101%
Primewest	$62 - $64	103%
Medica	$161 - $172	267%
Security Health Plan	$197	327%
Cigna	$322	534%
First Choice Health Network	$322	534%
Healthez	$322	534%
Multiplan	$322	534%

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 $286.
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 Sanford Medical Center Fargo 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.