CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (single view)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 71045 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71045
Insurance Median: $445
Cash Discount Price: $538
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (single view) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $445. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $538. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 5.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$538

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$445

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: $538 (605%)

Insurance Median: $445 (501%)

Cash: $538 (605% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $445 (501% 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 501% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 401%). 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
Curaechoice [6100]	$80 - $180	90%
Aetna	$149 - $768	168%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$199 - $445	224%
Imagine Health [6032]	$207	233%
Medpartners [6038]	$240 - $538	270%
Humana	$307 - $384	345%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$346 - $768	389%
Healthlink [125]	$384 - $768	432%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$499 - $653	561%
Cigna	$614 - $768	691%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$614 - $768	691%
First Health Plan [6034]	$768	864%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$768	864%
UnitedHealthcare	$768	864%

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 $538.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71045.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northwestern Memorial Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71045.
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.