CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $80
Cash Discount Price: $483
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $80. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $483. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 0.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$483

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$80

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: $483 (543%)

Insurance Median: $80 (90%)

Cash: $483 (543% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $80 (90% 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.

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
Cigna	$11 - $898	12%
Aetna	$20 - $869	22%
Viva	$23 - $621	26%
Phcs	$28 - $869	31%
Beech Street	$29 - $869	33%
One Health Plan	$30 - $807	34%
Geha	$32 - $869	36%
Healthchoice	$32 - $869	36%
Alamed	$36 - $972	40%
Construction Claims Management	$37 - $1,005	42%
Corvel	$38 - $1,118	43%
Multiplan	$38 - $1,018	43%
Novanet	$38 - $1,037	43%
Humana	$39 - $1,056	44%
UnitedHealthcare	$39 - $493	44%
Department Of Labor	$40 - $1,081	45%
Heritage Summit Health	$40 - $1,081	45%
Pnoa	$41 - $1,118	46%
Three Rivers	$41 - $1,118	46%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$79	89%
Cooper Green	$80	90%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$80	90%
Triwest	$80	90%
United Mine Workers	$80	90%
Ambetter / Centene	$109	123%

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 $483.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71046.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71046.
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.