CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: University of Colorado Hospital Authority

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $557
Cash Discount Price: $634
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at University of Colorado Hospital Authority is $557. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $634. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 5.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12605 E 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$634

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$557

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $634 (594%)

Insurance Median: $557 (521%)

Cash: $634 (594% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $557 (521% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 521% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 421%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$104 - $713	97%
Aetna	$107 - $585	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$107 - $1,064	100%
Cigna	$107 - $940	100%
Cms	$107	100%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$107 - $959	100%
Devoted Health	$107	100%
Humana	$107	100%
Kaiser	$107 - $1,063	100%
Select Health	$107 - $289	100%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$242 - $254	227%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$591 - $923	553%
Kaiser Public Option	$707	662%
Phcs	$996	932%
Multiplan	$1,086	1017%
First Health	$1,267	1186%
Midlands Choice	$1,267	1186%

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 $634.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 76536.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Colorado Hospital Authority is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 76536.
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.