Ultrasound, thyroid and neck
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc
Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 76536
- Insurance Median: $100
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.94x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $82 - $311 | 77% |
| Humana | $98 | 92% |
| Va | $98 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $98 - $100 | 92% |
| Vc Hope | $98 | 92% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $100 - $275 | 94% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $100 | 94% |
| Smarthealth | $138 | 129% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $167 | 156% |
| Coventry City Of Wichita | $222 | 208% |
| Cigna | $236 | 221% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 76536, "Ultrasound, thyroid and neck," the facility in Wichita, KS, has a Medicare benchmark of $106.81. The data shows that the median negotiated rate across 11 payers is $100.00, which is slightly lower than the Medicare amount. While the facility is a Part A provider, the negotiated rates for commercial plans range from $82 to $311, with most plans clustering between $98 and $167. Because the negotiated rate is often higher than the cash price due to administrative overhead and contract structures, patients with high-deductible plans might find paying cash directly more cost-effective if the facility offers a self-pay or prompt-pay discount. It is important to verify the specific allowed amount for your plan before scheduling, as in-network rates can vary significantly between carriers.
To ensure you are receiving the best possible price, you should request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as double-billing or unbundled codes. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask the billing department about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% when paid upfront. Additionally, be aware that the No Surprises Act protects you from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, so you should not feel pressured to pay unexpected differences immediately. Always confirm whether your specific insurance plan has met its deductible, as using insurance before the deductible is met can result in paying the full negotiated rate rather than a reduced share.