CMS Price Transparency Data

Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only)

Facility: Essentia Health

Billing Code: 93005 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93005
Insurance Median: $120
Cash Discount Price: $199
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Electrocardiogram (EKG, tracing only) at Essentia Health is $120. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $199. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $60.27, this hospital’s rate is 1.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3000 32Nd Ave South, Fargo, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$199

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$120

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: $199 (330%)

Insurance Median: $120 (199%)

Cash: $199 (330% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $120 (199% 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.

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
Advocare/Security Health	$59	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$59 - $179	98%
Freedom Blue Ppo	$59	98%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv	$59	98%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime	$59	98%
Imcare Msho Ref Req	$59	98%
Itasca Med Care	$59	98%
Medica Advantage Solutions	$59	98%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions	$59	98%
Medica Prime Solution Group	$59	98%
Medicare (plans)	$59	98%
Nd Va Administration	$59	98%
Platinum Blue/Vantage Blue	$59	98%
Primewest	$59	98%
Primewest Msho	$59	98%
Secure Blue Msho	$59	98%
Ubh Cost Plan	$59	98%
Ubh Msho	$59	98%
Ucare Msho	$59	98%
UnitedHealthcare	$59 - $211	98%
Medica Access	$71	118%
Healthpartners Care Pmap	$103	171%
Sanford Health Plan	$105 - $120	174%
Medica	$147 - $163	244%
Medica Uplan	$147	244%
Medica Choice	$168	279%
Ucare	$174	289%
Cigna	$178	295%
Healthpartners	$178	295%
Healthpartners Pcc Prime	$178	295%
Wea	$191 - $204	317%
America'S Ppo	$205	340%
Wps	$220 - $223	365%
Aetna	$225	373%

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 $199.
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 Essentia Health 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.