CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Hill Country Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $226
Cash Discount Price: $2,934
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Hill Country Memorial Hospital is $226. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,934. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1020 South State Highway 16, Fredericksburg, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,934

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$226

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: $2,934 (2747%)

Insurance Median: $226 (212%)

Cash: $2,934 (2747% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $226 (212% 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 212% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 112%). 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
Community First Health Plans	$105 - $792	98%
United	$105 - $1,320	98%
Aetna	$115 - $1,467	108%
Molina Healthcare	$115	108%
Superior Health	$147	138%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$196 - $866	184%
Healthcare Highways	$904	846%
Curative Administrators	$1,174	1099%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$1,614	1511%
Multiplan	$2,201 - $2,494	2061%
Triwest Health Alliance	$2,201	2061%

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 $2,934.
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 Hill Country Memorial 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.