X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $81
- Cash Discount Price: $116
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.91x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $9 - $51 | 10% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $13 - $228 | 15% |
| Aetna | $13 - $51 | 15% |
| Providrs Care | $14 - $42 | 16% |
| Medicare (plans) | $81 - $83 | 91% |
| Va | $81 | 91% |
| Humana | $81 - $82 | 91% |
| Smarthealth | $114 | 128% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $138 | 155% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $163 - $172 | 183% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray (two views), Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS, lists a cash median price of $116.00. This cash rate is notably lower than the facility's negotiated rates, which range from $81.00 to $172.00 depending on the insurance carrier. While the facility's cash price is competitive, patients should be aware that commercial negotiated rates often include administrative overhead and contract markups that can exceed the actual cost of care. For individuals with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $116.00 upfront may result in significant savings compared to the higher allowed amounts charged by in-network insurers, provided the patient has not yet met their deductible.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, it is critical to request an itemized bill before finalizing payment, as summary bills often obscure individual charges or unbundled services. Additionally, patients should inquire directly with the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if paid in full within a short window. While this specific service does not have a direct comparison to state or county averages in the provided data, understanding that Medicare allows $88.91 for this procedure serves as a baseline for evaluating the facility's pricing structure. Always verify your specific plan's allowed amount and deductible status before scheduling to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.