CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: Piedmont Augusta Hospital

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $190
Cash Discount Price: $220
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at Piedmont Augusta Hospital is $190. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $220. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1350 Walton Way, Augusta, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$220

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$190

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: $220 (247%)

Insurance Median: $190 (214%)

Cash: $220 (247% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $190 (214% 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 214% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 114%). 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
Absolute Total Care [20109]	$38	43%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$53 - $207	60%
Cigna	$64	72%
Aetna	$105	118%
Medicaid / KanCare	$173	195%
UnitedHealthcare	$216	243%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$272	306%
Alliant Solocare [11101]	$272	306%
Medcost [10966]	$293	330%
Multiplan [10600]	$323	363%
Phcs [10601]	$323	363%
Industry Buying Group [10840]	$477	536%
Kaiser [10500]	$543	611%
First Health [10303]	$624	702%
Novanet [10819]	$661	743%

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 $220.
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 Piedmont Augusta 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.