CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Ascension Seton Highland Lakes

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $137
Cash Discount Price: $328
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Ascension Seton Highland Lakes is $137. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $328. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in Highway 281 South, Burnet, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$328

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$137

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: $328 (307%)

Insurance Median: $137 (128%)

Cash: $328 (307% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $137 (128% 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.

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
Champva	$93 - $113	87%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$99 - $454	93%
Dell Star	$99 - $137	93%
UnitedHealthcare	$99 - $137	93%
Wellpoint Star	$99 - $137	93%
Wellpoint Star Plus	$99 - $137	93%
Ambetter / Centene	$107 - $111	100%
Superior Star	$107 - $439	100%
Superior Star Plus	$107 - $439	100%
Wellpoint Chip/Chip Perinate	$107 - $135	100%
Wellpoint Star Kids	$107 - $135	100%
Dell Chip/Chip Perinate	$111 - $137	104%
Tricare	$148	139%
Humana	$159	149%
Superior Star Foster	$290 - $439	272%
Superior Star Kids	$290 - $439	272%
Superior Chip/Chip Perinate	$326 - $494	305%
Cigna	$350	328%
Seton Performance Plus	$356	333%
Aetna	$546 - $866	511%
Covenant Health	$866	811%

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 $328.
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 Ascension Seton Highland Lakes 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.