CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Ascension St Vincent Mercy

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $66
Cash Discount Price: $520
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Ascension St Vincent Mercy is $66. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $520. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 0.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1331 S A St, Elwood, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$520

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$66

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: $520 (487%)

Insurance Median: $66 (62%)

Cash: $520 (487% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $66 (62% 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.

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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20 - $610	19%
Medicaid / KanCare	$20 - $84	19%
Mhs Care Connect	$20 - $84	19%
UnitedHealthcare	$20 - $144	19%
Encore Exclusive	$66	62%
Patoka Valley Tier 1	$66	62%
Patoka Valley Tier 2	$66	62%
Smarthealth Ppo	$75	70%
Smarthealth Ppo/Hdhp 20161001	$75	70%
Aetna	$400	374%

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 $520.
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 Ascension St Vincent Mercy 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.