CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Down East Community Hospital

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $254
Cash Discount Price: $350
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Down East Community Hospital is $254. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $350. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 11 Hospital Drive, Machias, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$350

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$254

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $350 (328%)

Insurance Median: $254 (238%)

Cash: $350 (328% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $254 (238% of 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 238% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 138%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

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	$89 - $590	83%
Humana	$89 - $322	83%
Wellcare	$89 - $322	83%
Partners Direct Health	$101 - $366	95%
Community Health Options	$167 - $605	156%
Aetna	$169 - $610	158%
UnitedHealthcare	$174 - $629	163%
Cigna	$182 - $659	170%
Martins Point	$182 - $658	170%
Patients Advocates	$182 - $658	170%
Harvard Pilgrim	$185 - $669	173%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $350.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 76536.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Down East Community Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 76536.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.