CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: St Christopher's Hospital for Children

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,219
Cash Discount Price: $2,438
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.18x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at St Christopher's Hospital for Children is $1,219. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,438. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 2.18x the Medicare baseline. Located in 160 East Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,438

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,219

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: $2,438 (437%)

Insurance Median: $1,219 (218%)

Cash: $2,438 (437% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,219 (218% 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 218% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 118%). 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
Geisinger	$120 - $2,194	21%
Amerihealth Caritas	$123	22%
Pa Health & Wellness	$132	24%
UnitedHealthcare	$147	26%
Aetna	$172 - $3,657	31%
Upmc	$177	32%
Keystone First	$185	33%
Gateway	$218	39%
Health Partners	$405 - $1,094	73%
Cigna	$500	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$858 - $4,905	154%
Wellpoint Nj (Formerly Amerigroup)	$1,292	231%
Horizon Nj Health	$1,950	349%

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 $2,438.
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 St Christopher's Hospital for Children 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.