X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $81
- Cash Discount Price: $155
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $78 - $80 | 88% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $80 - $114 | 90% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $81 - $156 | 91% |
| Cigna | $156 | 175% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray with two views, the Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center in Wichita, KS, lists a cash median price of $155.00. This cash rate is notably higher than the facility's negotiated average of $81.00, which reflects the contractual rates paid by insurance carriers. While commercial payers like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiate rates ranging from $78 to $114, the cash price remains the baseline for self-pay patients. It is important to note that for patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $155.00 upfront can sometimes be more cost-effective than using insurance if the insurer's negotiated rate exceeds the cash amount, though this specific scenario does not apply here as the negotiated rates are lower. Patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status and out-of-pocket maximums before deciding whether to pay cash or utilize insurance coverage.
The facility's pricing is benchmarked against the Medicare rate of $88.91, which serves as the federal government's objective baseline for healthcare costs. The cash price of $155.00 represents a markup of approximately 73% over the Medicare amount, while the negotiated rate of $81.00 sits slightly below the Medicare benchmark. In the context of Kansas, where the facility is located in zip code 67226, understanding these different pricing tiers is crucial for avoiding unexpected costs. Patients should proactively request a prompt-pay discount, which can range from 20% to 50% off the billed amount when paid in full upfront, effectively bypassing the administrative overhead