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Light-Based Imaging Of The Middle Ear

Maryland rates for HCPCS 0486T

A light-based scan that produces cross-sectional images of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum, without any incision. A probe is directed into the ear canal and the returning light is used to build a picture of the eardrum and what lies immediately behind it, which is then interpreted and reported. It shows more than an ordinary look with a standard scope.

Rates data updated July 2026.

How much does Light-Based Imaging Of The Middle Ear cost?

$93.33

Typical negotiated rate. In Maryland, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $93.33 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $81.28 to $107.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 4 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $46 · 10th to 90th $20 to $89Professionalmedian $95 · 10th to 90th $56 to $138
$20$50$100$200$500facility $46professional $95

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Each curve is scaled to its own total: facility and professional rates are different services, shown together to compare where they cluster. Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$67.61
Median
$95.50
Typical High
$138.04
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$37.15
Median
$47.86
Typical High
$61.66
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$47.86
Median
$53.70
Typical High
$91.20
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$19.95
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$89.13
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$61.66
Median
$83.18
Typical High
$141.25

Where Maryland sits

The same service costs 11.0 times more in Minnesota than in Nebraska. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Maryland· 25th of 51

$93.33

MN $617NE $56.23

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.