Ultrasound, thyroid and neck
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.
Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 76536
- Insurance Median: $99
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.93x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Va | $98 | 92% |
| Vc Hope | $98 | 92% |
| Saint Lukes Health Systems | $98 | 92% |
| Humana | $98 | 92% |
| Via Christi Research | $98 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $98 - $100 | 92% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $100 | 94% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $100 - $275 | 94% |
| Corizon | $123 | 115% |
| Smarthealth | $138 | 129% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $167 | 156% |
| Coventry City Of Wichita | $222 | 208% |
| Aetna | $286 | 268% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code representing an ultrasound of the thyroid and neck, Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc. has a median negotiated rate of $99.00, which aligns closely with the state of Kansas average. While this facility is in-network for most major payers, including UnitedHealthcare and Aetna, the negotiated rates range from $98 to $286 depending on the specific insurance plan. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying cash upfront may be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the facility's cash price is often lower than the commercial negotiated rates. It is important to note that while the facility offers prompt-pay discounts to reduce administrative costs and improve cash flow, these discounts must be requested before scheduling; waiting until after receiving an insurance bill may result in the loss of these savings.
The Medicare benchmark for this service is $106.81, which serves as a reliable baseline for evaluating the facility's pricing structure. The facility's median negotiated rate of $99.00 is slightly below the Medicare amount, indicating a competitive pricing model relative to federal standards. However, some commercial payers, such as Coventry City Of Wichita and Aetna, have negotiated rates significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark, which could lead to higher out-of-pocket costs if the patient's deductible has not been met. To avoid unexpected balance billing or errors in the final invoice, patients should request a full itemized bill that lists every specific CPT code and service rendered, as summary bills often obscure individual charges. Additionally, since the No Surprises Act prohibits balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities, patients should verify that all ancillary services