X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Wesley Medical Center
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $412
- Cash Discount Price: $2,382
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.63x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 463% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 363%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| First Health | $30 - $1,098 | 34% |
| Multiplan | $31 - $2,144 | 35% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $49 | 55% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $50 | 56% |
| Amerigroup | $51 | 57% |
| Aetna | $51 - $850 | 57% |
| United | $182 - $1,072 | 205% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $272 | 306% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $412 - $1,191 | 463% |
| Wppa | $414 | 466% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $429 | 483% |
| Preferred Health Choices | $450 | 506% |
| Medical Associates Health Plan | $450 | 506% |
| Spirit Aerosystems | $762 | 857% |
| Triwest Healthcare Alliance | $1,548 | 1741% |
| Usa Managed Care | $2,025 | 2278% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray (two views) at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, the cash price is $2,382.00. This cash rate is significantly higher than the state average, which is $88.91, and also exceeds the facility's own negotiated rate of $412.00. While the facility's negotiated rate is lower than the cash price, patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash option more cost-effective if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds $2,382.00. To maximize savings, patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling and inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront.
The data indicates that while the cash price is the highest single value listed, the facility's negotiated rates vary widely among payers, ranging from a low of $30 to a high of $2,025.00. It is important to note that the facility's negotiated rate of $412.00 is substantially lower than the cash price, suggesting that for most insured patients, the negotiated rate will be the primary cost driver. However, patients should be aware that balance billing could occur if services are rendered by out-of-network providers, even at this in-network facility, though the No Surprises Act protects against such billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network hospitals. Consumers are advised to request an itemized bill to ensure all charges are accurate and to dispute any errors before payment.