CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,981
Cash Discount Price: $9,173
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.55x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest is $1,981. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9,173. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 3.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 710 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$9,173

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,981

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: $9,173 (1643%)

Insurance Median: $1,981 (355%)

Cash: $9,173 (1643% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,981 (355% 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 355% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 255%). 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	$317 - $3,211	57%
Superior Health Plan	$550	99%
Community Health Choice Mcd	$1,192	214%
Humana	$1,269	227%
Cigna	$1,358 - $1,743	243%
Texas Childrens Health Plans	$1,523 - $2,174	273%
United	$1,541 - $4,128	276%
Oscar	$1,789	320%
Aetna	$2,211 - $3,633	396%
Healthcare Highways	$2,339	419%
Evry Health	$2,504	449%
Christus (Usfhp)	$3,669	657%
Curative Administrators	$3,669	657%
Coventry National First Health	$4,889	876%

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 $9,173.
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 HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest 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.