CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, pelvis

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 76856 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76856
Insurance Median: $1,079
Cash Discount Price: $1,510
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, pelvis at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $1,079. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,510. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 10.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,510

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,079

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: $1,510 (1414%)

Insurance Median: $1,079 (1010%)

Cash: $1,510 (1414% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,079 (1010% 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 1010% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 910%). 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	$358 - $981	335%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$457 - $2,157	428%
Healthlink [125]	$1,078	1009%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$1,378 - $1,941	1290%
The Alliance [1703]	$1,385	1297%
Beechstreet [176]	$1,726	1616%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$1,726 - $2,157	1616%
First Health Plan [6034]	$1,769	1656%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,157	2019%

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 $1,510.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 76856.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 76856.
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.