CMS Price Transparency Data

Ultrasound, thyroid and neck

Facility: Central Vermont Medical Center

Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 76536
Insurance Median: $262
Cash Discount Price: $1,144
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.45x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Ultrasound, thyroid and neck at Central Vermont Medical Center is $262. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,144. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.45x the Medicare baseline. Located in Box 547, Barre, VT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,144

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$262

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: $1,144 (1071%)

Insurance Median: $262 (245%)

Cash: $1,144 (1071% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $262 (245% 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 245% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 145%). 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
Humana	$101 - $466	95%
Mvp	$104 - $1,057	97%
Aetna	$105	98%
Coventry	$105 - $995	98%
Martins Point	$105 - $732	98%
UnitedHealthcare	$105 - $1,137	98%
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network	$105	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$107 - $865	100%
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan	$165 - $915	154%
Wellpath	$258 - $629	242%
Cigna	$263 - $1,082	246%
Harvard Pilgrim	$376 - $915	352%

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 $1,144.
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 Central Vermont 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.