CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Audubon County Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $446
Cash Discount Price: $550
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.18x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Audubon County Memorial Hospital is $446. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $550. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 4.18x the Medicare baseline. Located in 515 Pacific Avenue, Audubon, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$550

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$446

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: $550 (515%)

Insurance Median: $446 (418%)

Cash: $550 (515% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $446 (418% 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 418% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 318%). 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
Wellmark Hmo	$241	226%
Wellmark Ppo - All Other Plans	$266	249%
UnitedHealthcare	$330	309%
Aetna	$396 - $495	371%
Tricare	$396	371%
Midlands Choice - All Plans	$539	505%
Molina Mcaid - All Plans	$550	515%
Iowa Total Care Mcaid - All Plans	$556	521%
Amerigroup Mcaid - All Plans	$578	541%

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 $550.
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 Audubon County Memorial Hospital 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.