CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Northwestern Medicine McHenry

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $960
Cash Discount Price: $1,343
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Northwestern Medicine McHenry is $960. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,343. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 8.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4201 Medical Center Drive, McHenry, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,343

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$960

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: $1,343 (1257%)

Insurance Median: $960 (899%)

Cash: $1,343 (1257% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $960 (899% 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 899% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 799%). 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
Aetna	$370 - $1,007	346%
Mercy Care Health Plans [5013]	$582	545%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$651 - $1,919	609%
Healthlink [125]	$960	899%
Choicecare [177]	$1,021	956%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$1,209 - $1,919	1132%
The Alliance [1703]	$1,233	1154%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$1,343 - $1,401	1257%
Cigna	$1,439	1347%
Beechstreet [176]	$1,535	1437%

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 $1,343.
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 Northwestern Medicine McHenry 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.