X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Stormont Vail Hospital
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $79
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.89x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter / Centene | $26 - $75 | 29% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $26 - $75 | 29% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $26 - $415 | 29% |
| Humana | $79 - $81 | 89% |
| Aetna | $79 - $81 | 89% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray with two views at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS, the facility's negotiated payment rates range from $26 to $81 depending on the insurance carrier. The median negotiated amount across all payers is $79.00, which aligns with the median negotiated rate reported for this procedure in the region. While the facility's cash median is not currently listed, patients with high-deductible plans should note that paying cash upfront can sometimes be more cost-effective if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can significantly reduce the final bill by bypassing administrative fees associated with insurance claims processing.
The Medicare benchmark for this service is $88.91, serving as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of care. The facility's negotiated rates average 0.9 times the Medicare amount, indicating they are priced at or below the federal government's reimbursement standard for this procedure. This contrasts with commercial rates that often average 200% to 300% of Medicare, highlighting that this specific service is priced favorably compared to typical commercial markups. To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, always request an itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as detailed line-by-line statements are the most effective tool for identifying errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered.