CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $332
Cash Discount Price: $714
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Howard County Medical Center is $332. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $714. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$714

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$332

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: $714 (668%)

Insurance Median: $332 (311%)

Cash: $714 (668% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $332 (311% 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 311% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 211%). 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
Medica Standard Premier	$25 - $100	23%
Aetna	$26 - $678	24%
Medica Elevate	$48 - $196	45%
Midland'S Choice	$51 - $206	48%
Humana	$83	78%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$98 - $678	92%
Great Plains	$98 - $407	92%
Medica Chi	$98 - $407	92%
Tricare	$98 - $536	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$98 - $685	92%
Nebraska Total Care - Wellcare	$101	95%
Molina Healthcare	$103 - $357	96%
Oscar Health	$171	160%
Ambetter / Centene	$196	184%
Beshp	$196	184%
Nebraska Total Care	$357	334%
Medica Chi Aco	$650	609%
Medica Choice National	$650	609%
Medica Ifb Aco	$685	641%
Medica Ifb Open Access	$685	641%

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 $714.
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 Howard County 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.