CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Hill Country Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $2,857
Cash Discount Price: $9,783
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Hill Country Memorial Hospital is $2,857. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9,783. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 5.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1020 South State Highway 16, Fredericksburg, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$9,783

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,857

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: $9,783 (1752%)

Insurance Median: $2,857 (512%)

Cash: $9,783 (1752% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,857 (512% 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 512% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 412%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$336 - $2,886	60%
Superior Health	$489	88%
Community First Health Plans	$1,174 - $2,641	210%
United	$2,407 - $4,402	431%
Aetna	$2,583 - $4,892	463%
Cigna	$2,857 - $3,786	512%
Healthcare Highways	$3,013	540%
Curative Administrators	$3,913	701%
First Health	$4,314	773%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$5,381	964%
Multiplan	$7,337 - $8,316	1314%
Triwest Health Alliance	$7,337	1314%

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 $9,783.
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 Hill Country Memorial Hospital 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.