CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Sanford Wheaton Medical Center

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $718
Cash Discount Price: $674
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.72x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is $718. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $674. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 6.72x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 12Th Street North, Wheaton, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$674

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$718

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: $674 (631%)

Insurance Median: $718 (672%)

Cash: $674 (631% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $718 (672% 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 672% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 572%). 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
Ucare	$112 - $741	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$204 - $780	191%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$425	398%
Aetna	$460 - $733	431%
Health Partners	$460 - $683	431%
Medicare (plans)	$460	431%
UnitedHealthcare	$460 - $704	431%
Security Health Plan	$464	434%
Primewest	$469 - $510	439%
Sanford Health Plan	$665 - $783	623%
Medica	$741 - $797	694%
First Choice Health Network	$759	711%
Healthez	$759	711%
Multiplan	$759	711%

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 $674.
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 Sanford Wheaton Medical Center 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.