CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Sanford Sheldon Medical Center

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $274
Cash Discount Price: $340
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center is $274. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $340. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 3.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 118 North Seventh Avenue, Po Box 250, Sheldon, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$340

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$274

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: $340 (382%)

Insurance Median: $274 (308%)

Cash: $340 (382% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $274 (308% 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 308% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 208%). 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
Sanford Health Plan Align	$121	136%
Ucare	$130 - $373	146%
Aetna	$131 - $369	147%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$131	147%
Health Partners	$131 - $319	147%
Medicare (plans)	$131	147%
UnitedHealthcare	$131 - $355	147%
Primewest	$134	151%
Wellmark	$212 - $221	238%
Sanford Health Plan	$228 - $268	256%
Security Health Plan	$234	263%
Medica	$351 - $375	395%
First Choice Health Network	$382	430%
Healthez	$382	430%
Multiplan	$382	430%

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 $340.
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 Sanford Sheldon Medical Center 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.