CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: Big Bend Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $5,497
Cash Discount Price: $1,431
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at Big Bend Regional Medical Center is $5,497. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,431. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 9.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2600 Highway 118 North, Alpine, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,431

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,497

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: $1,431 (256%)

Insurance Median: $5,497 (985%)

Cash: $1,431 (256% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,497 (985% 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 985% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 885%). 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	$132 - $758	24%
UnitedHealthcare	$5,179 - $5,335	928%
Cigna	$5,264 - $5,422	943%
Multiplan Primary Network-All Other Plans	$5,497 - $5,661	985%
Humana	$5,990 - $6,170	1073%
Aetna	$6,201 - $6,387	1111%
Multiplan Complementary Network	$6,201 - $6,387	1111%

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 $1,431.
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 Big Bend Regional 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.