Ultrasound, thyroid and neck
Facility: Amberwell Atchison Association
Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 76536
- Insurance Median: $481
- Cash Discount Price: $977
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $296 - $1,753 | 277% |
| Superior Select Mcr Adv - All Plans | $322 | 301% |
| Humana | $322 - $440 | 301% |
| Triwest - All Plans | $322 | 301% |
| Va Ccn - All Plans | $322 | 301% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $457 - $481 | 428% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $500 | 468% |
| Cigna | $537 | 503% |
| Aetna | $537 | 503% |
| Centrus Health Direct - All Plans | $733 | 686% |
| Oscar - All Plans | $733 | 686% |
| Multiplan - All Plans | $762 | 713% |
| Wppa Providrs Care - All Plans | $879 | 823% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the ultrasound of the thyroid and neck performed at Amberwell Atchison Association in Atchison, KS, the cash price is $977.00, which matches the facility's median paid amount. This cash rate is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by insurance companies, with the lowest allowed amount being $296 and the highest reaching $879 across 13 different payers. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying the full cash price upfront is more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates often exceed the cash price. It is important to note that while the cash rate is competitive, patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as some insurers may still require payment of the negotiated amount before the deductible is met.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is recommended to request a full itemized bill before finalizing payment, as summary bills can obscure individual charges and potential errors. If you receive a bill for a difference between your insurance payment and the provider's charge, you may be facing balance billing, though the No Surprises Act generally protects you from such unexpected costs for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Additionally, you should ask the billing department about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if paid in full within a short window, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims processing. Always dispute any unexpected charges in writing to avoid credit damage and ensure the accuracy of your medical debt.