CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, abdomen (limited)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 76705 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76705
Insurance Median: $299
Cash Discount Price: $416
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.80x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, abdomen (limited) at UPMC Altoona is $299. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $416. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.80x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$416

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$299

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: $416 (389%)

Insurance Median: $299 (280%)

Cash: $416 (389% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $299 (280% 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 280% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 180%). 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
Aetna	$38 - $367	36%
UnitedHealthcare	$39 - $355	37%
Upmc Health Plan	$41 - $326	38%
Geisinger	$52 - $381	49%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$56 - $346	52%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$57	53%
Amerihealth Caritas	$59	55%
Pa Health & Wellness	$64	60%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$98	92%
Upmc Work Partners	$118	110%
Cigna	$346	324%
Preferred Healthcare System	$346	324%
Private Health Care Systems	$554	519%

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 $416.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 76705.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Altoona is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 76705.
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.