CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $896
Cash Discount Price: $3,379
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center is $896. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,379. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 1.61x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1313 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,379

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$896

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: $3,379 (605%)

Insurance Median: $896 (161%)

Cash: $3,379 (605% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $896 (161% 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
Superior Health Plan	$203	36%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$317 - $1,183	57%
Community Health Choice Mcd	$439	79%
Cigna	$500 - $642	90%
United	$568 - $1,521	102%
Oscar	$659	118%
Healthcare Highways	$862	154%
Aetna	$896 - $1,463	161%
Evry Health	$923	165%
Humana	$1,269	227%
Christus (Usfhp)	$1,352	242%
Curative Administrators	$1,352	242%
Coventry National First Health	$1,801	323%

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 $3,379.
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 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.