CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $233
Cash Discount Price: $247
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is $233. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $247. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1650 Cowles Street, Fairbanks, AK.

Cash / Self-Pay

$247

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$233

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$88.91

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $88.91 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $247 (278%)

Insurance Median: $233 (262%)

Cash: $247 (278% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $233 (262% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $88.91 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 262% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 162%). 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
Banner Choice - All Plans	$64 - $76	72%
Premera First - All Plans	$97	109%
Tricare	$97	109%
Va (Triwest) - All Plans	$97	109%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$223 - $266	251%
UnitedHealthcare	$226 - $269	254%
Aetna	$228 - $272	256%
Moda Health Plan - All Plans	$230 - $275	259%
Multiplan - All Plans	$230 - $275	259%
Cigna	$233 - $277	262%

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 $247.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72040.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72040.
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.