Ultrasound, thyroid and neck
Facility: Lincoln County Hospital
Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 76536
- Insurance Median: $481
- Cash Discount Price: $617
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.50x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 450% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 350%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $481 | 450% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 76536, "Ultrasound, thyroid and neck," Lincoln County Hospital in Lincoln, KS, lists a cash median price of $617.00 and a median negotiated rate of $481.00. This cash price is notably lower than the facility's gross charge of $686.00, which is a common practice to attract self-pay patients. While the data does not provide a specific state or county average for this procedure, the facility's cash rate remains a key benchmark for patients with high-deductible plans. In such cases, paying the cash price directly can be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rate of $481.00 may still exceed the cash price of $617.00 depending on the patient's specific plan structure and out-of-pocket maximums.
Patients should verify if the facility offers additional discounts for prompt payment or self-pay before scheduling, as these incentives can further reduce the final cost. It is important to request a full itemized bill containing specific CPT codes rather than accepting a summary invoice, as hospitals sometimes bundle charges or include services not rendered, which can inflate the total. Additionally, while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, patients should still confirm their network status and deductible status before receiving care. By comparing the facility's rates against Medicare benchmarks and understanding the difference between gross charges and negotiated amounts, consumers can make informed decisions that minimize unexpected medical expenses.