X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Pratt Regional Medical Center
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $87
- Cash Discount Price: $147
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Health Aid | $48 - $311 | 54% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $53 - $422 | 60% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $54 - $352 | 61% |
| Aetna | $58 - $373 | 65% |
| Choicecare | $64 - $414 | 72% |
| Celtic Insurance Company | $84 | 94% |
| Healthy Blue | $87 | 98% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray with two views, Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, KS, lists a cash median price of $147.00. This cash rate is notably lower than the facility's negotiated rates, which range from $53 to $422 depending on the insurance carrier. While the facility's negotiated rates are significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more advantageous if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds $147.00. To maximize savings, consumers should verify their specific plan's allowed amount and inquire directly with the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final cost.
It is important to distinguish between the facility's gross charge of $211.00 and the actual amounts paid by insurers, as the latter varies widely across the seven payers listed, with the lowest allowed amount being $48.00 and the highest $422.00. Although the data does not provide a specific county or state average for comparison, the significant variance in negotiated rates highlights the importance of checking your specific plan details before scheduling. If you receive a bill that appears to include balance billing for out-of-network services at this in-network facility, you may be entitled to protections under the No Surprises Act, and you should request an itemized audit to identify any unbundled codes or services not rendered.