X-ray, chest (single view)

For the CPT code 71045, representing a chest X-ray, Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc. has a gross charge of $470.00. While the facility's cash median rate is $306.00, which is lower than the gross charge, the negotiated rates paid by insurance plans vary significantly. Many commercial payers, including UnitedHealthcare and various hospice contracts, have negotiated rates ranging from $84.00 to $376.00, with a median negotiated amount of $87.00. It is important to note that for patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $306.00 upfront may be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the insurer's allowed amount often exceeds the cash rate. Additionally, patients should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final bill.

This service is located in Pittsburg, Kansas (ZIP 66762), and the facility operates as a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital. The data indicates that the facility's pricing structure is consistent with national benchmarks, showing a ratio of 1.0 versus Medicare, meaning the cash price aligns closely with the federal baseline. While the data does not provide specific state or county average figures for direct comparison, the facility's cash median of $306.00 and the wide range of negotiated rates across 36 different payers highlight the importance of verifying individual plan coverage. Patients are advised to request an itemized billing audit if they receive a summary bill, as over 80% of