CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $392
Cash Discount Price: $776
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.67x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $392. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $776. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.67x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$776

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$392

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: $776 (727%)

Insurance Median: $392 (367%)

Cash: $776 (727% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $392 (367% 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 367% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 267%). 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
Immergrun	$46 - $277	43%
Aetna	$98 - $664	92%
Iowa Total Care	$98 - $443	92%
Medical Associates	$98 - $554	92%
Molina Healthcare	$98 - $443	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$98 - $517	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$99 - $532	93%
Healthpartners	$100 - $942	94%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$103 - $105	96%
Oscar Health	$116 - $698	109%
Great River Health Systems	$129 - $776	121%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$138 - $831	129%
Sedgwick	$147 - $886	138%
Global Excel	$156 - $942	146%
Sanford Health Plan	$156 - $942	146%
Employee Benefit Systems	$162 - $997	152%
Sisco	$162 - $975	152%
Healthsmart	$166 - $997	155%
Hfn	$169 - $1,019	158%
Multiplan	$169 - $1,019	158%
Midlands Choice	$246 - $720	230%
Aplos Health Plan	$254 - $886	238%

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 $776.
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 Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down 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.