CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 76536
  • Insurance Median: $240
  • Cash Discount Price: $289
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.25x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $240. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $289. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$289

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$240

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: $289 (271%)
Insurance Median: $240 (225%)
Cash: $289 (271% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $240 (225% 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 225% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 125%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Ambetter / Centene $191 179%
Champus $191 179%
Champva $191 179%
Health Partners $191 179%
Iowa Health Advantage $191 179%
Medicare (plans) $191 179%
UnitedHealthcare $191 179%
Wellcare $191 179%
Wellpoint $191 179%
American Postal Workers $289 271%
Avera $307 287%
First Administrators $350 328%
Golden Rule $350 328%
Great West $350 328%
Healthscope $350 328%
Medical Associates $350 328%
Meritain $350 328%
Midlands Choice $350 328%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals