CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $607
Cash Discount Price: $2,339
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Howard County Medical Center is $607. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,339. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 1.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,339

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$607

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: $2,339 (419%)

Insurance Median: $607 (109%)

Cash: $2,339 (419% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $607 (109% 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
Medica Standard Premier	$64 - $179	11%
Aetna	$66 - $2,222	12%
Medica Elevate	$125 - $351	22%
Midland'S Choice	$131 - $369	23%
Humana	$149	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$175 - $2,222	31%
Great Plains	$175 - $1,333	31%
Medica Chi	$175 - $1,333	31%
Tricare	$175 - $1,754	31%
UnitedHealthcare	$175 - $2,245	31%
Nebraska Total Care - Wellcare	$180	32%
Molina Healthcare	$184 - $1,170	33%
Oscar Health	$306	55%
Ambetter / Centene	$350	63%
Beshp	$350	63%
Nebraska Total Care	$1,170	210%
Medica Chi Aco	$2,128	381%
Medica Choice National	$2,128	381%
Medica Ifb Aco	$2,245	402%
Medica Ifb Open Access	$2,245	402%

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 $2,339.
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 Howard County Medical Center 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.