Ultrasound, thyroid and neck
Facility: Kansas Heart Hospital
Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 76536
- Insurance Median: $96
- Cash Discount Price: $205
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wppa - All Plans | $29 - $232 | 27% |
| Multiplan - All Plans | $65 - $522 | 61% |
| Aetna | $70 - $580 | 66% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $72 - $580 | 67% |
| Celtic Mcaid - All Other Plans | $72 - $580 | 67% |
| Soonerselect Mcaid - All Plans | $72 - $580 | 67% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $72 - $580 | 67% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $72 - $580 | 67% |
| Tricare | $87 | 81% |
| Celtic Mcr Adv | $96 | 90% |
| Humana | $96 | 90% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the ultrasound of the thyroid and neck at Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, KS, the facility's cash median rate of $205.00 is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by most insurance plans, which range from $70 to $580 depending on the carrier. While the facility's cash price is higher than the Medicare benchmark of $106.81, it remains substantially below the commercial negotiated amounts, illustrating that for patients with high-deductible plans, paying cash upfront can often result in lower out-of-pocket costs than relying on insurance. The facility offers a median negotiated rate of $96.00, which is lower than the cash price, suggesting that for those with active insurance coverage, the in-network allowed amount may be the most economical option.
To ensure you are receiving the best possible price, it is crucial to request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered. Even if you have insurance, you should verify your deductible status and ask the hospital specifically about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full within a short window. Since the facility is an acute care hospital in Wichita, comparing these specific rates to local state averages helps clarify whether the pricing aligns with regional standards, ensuring you are not overpaying for essential diagnostic services.