CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, chest (no contrast)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71250
Insurance Median: $1,049
Cash Discount Price: $865
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, chest (no contrast) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $1,049. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $865. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 9.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$865

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,049

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $865 (810%)

Insurance Median: $1,049 (982%)

Cash: $865 (810% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,049 (982% of 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 982% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 882%). 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
Champus	$573	536%
Champva	$573	536%
Health Partners	$573 - $1,081	536%
Iowa Health Advantage	$573 - $1,081	536%
Medicare (plans)	$573 - $1,081	536%
UnitedHealthcare	$573 - $1,081	536%
Wellcare	$573 - $1,081	536%
American Postal Workers	$865	810%
Avera	$919	860%
Cigna	$973	911%
Aetna	$1,049 - $1,081	982%
First Administrators	$1,049	982%
Golden Rule	$1,049	982%
Great West	$1,049	982%
Healthscope	$1,049	982%
Medical Associates	$1,049	982%
Meritain	$1,049	982%
Midlands Choice	$1,049	982%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,081	1012%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,081	1012%
Humana	$1,081	1012%
Wellpoint	$1,081	1012%

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 $865.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71250.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71250.
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.