CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $689
Cash Discount Price: $474
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.45x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown is $689. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $474. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 6.45x the Medicare baseline. Located in 710 Center Street, Columbus, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$474

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$689

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: $474 (444%)

Insurance Median: $689 (645%)

Cash: $474 (444% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $689 (645% 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 645% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 545%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$228 - $233	213%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$260	243%
UnitedHealthcare	$277 - $426	259%
Aetna	$331	310%
Cigna	$689 - $1,019	645%
Phcs [10601]	$1,105	1035%
Kaiser [10500]	$1,137	1065%
Novanet [10819]	$1,184	1109%
First Health [10303]	$1,263	1182%
Multiplan [10600]	$1,342	1256%

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 $474.
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 Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown 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.