X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Mcpherson Hospital
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $80
- Cash Discount Price: $62
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tricare | $8 - $70 | 9% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $8 - $394 | 9% |
| Aetna | $10 - $394 | 11% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $10 - $92 | 11% |
| Healthy Blue Mcr Adv | $10 - $80 | 11% |
| Va Ccn - All Plans | $10 - $80 | 11% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $10 - $80 | 11% |
| Humana | $10 - $80 | 11% |
| Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Plans | $10 - $80 | 11% |
| Multiplan - All Plans | $12 - $355 | 13% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $13 - $394 | 15% |
| Health Blue Mcaid - All Other Plans | $13 - $402 | 15% |
| Medical Associates - All Plans | $44 - $296 | 49% |
| Central Plains - All Plans | $44 - $296 | 49% |
| Cigna | $55 - $374 | 62% |
| Health Partners - All Plans | $55 - $374 | 62% |
| Wppa - All Plans | $59 - $276 | 66% |
| Christian Health Aid - All Plans | $67 - $315 | 75% |
| First Health - All Plans | $80 - $374 | 90% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray with two views at McPherson Hospital in McPherson, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $62.00, which is lower than the state average of $71.00. While commercial insurance plans like Tricare and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated rates ranging from $8 to $394, these figures often exceed the cash price due to administrative overhead and contract structures. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash rate of $62.00 directly, as the insurance negotiated rates can sometimes be significantly higher. It is important to note that the facility's cash price is also 90% of the Medicare amount of $88.91, providing a clear benchmark for fair pricing.
Before scheduling any services, consumers should proactively contact the hospital to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% for upfront payments. Although the facility is an acute care hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients must be aware that waiting until after receiving an insurance bill to request a cash discount may result in the loss of these incentives. Additionally, while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to request a detailed, itemized bill to verify that all charges align with the negotiated or cash rates. Comparing the facility's pricing to the broader market, the lowest negotiated rates start at $8 with Tricare, while the highest reach $394 with UnitedHealthcare and Medicaid/KanCare, highlighting