Ultrasound, thyroid and neck
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 76536 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 76536
- Insurance Median: $98
- Cash Discount Price: $561
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.92x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $22 - $275 | 21% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $23 - $94 | 22% |
| Aetna | $23 - $94 | 22% |
| Providrs Care | $36 - $148 | 34% |
| Va | $98 | 92% |
| Humana | $98 - $99 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $98 - $100 | 92% |
| Tricare | $99 | 93% |
| Smarthealth | $138 | 129% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $167 | 156% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $521 - $548 | 488% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the ultrasound of the thyroid and neck at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc., the cash median price is $561.00, which is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by insurance plans ranging from $22 to $548. While Medicare reimburses $106.81 for this service, commercial payers like UnitedHealthcare and Medicaid/KanCare have negotiated rates between $22 and $94, whereas Blue Cross Blue Shield pays up to $548. Patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash price of $561.00 more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates for some carriers exceed the cash amount. To maximize savings, it is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can further reduce the final bill.
This procedure is billed under CPT code 76536, and the facility's pricing reflects a voluntary non-profit structure in Manhattan, Kansas. Although the facility holds a 4-star rating, the wide variance in negotiated rates across different insurers highlights the importance of verifying your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling. If you receive a bill that appears to include balance billing for out-of-network services, you should not pay immediately; instead, request an itemized audit to identify errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered. Remember that the No Surprises Act protects you from balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities, and any dispute should be handled in writing to ensure your rights are preserved.