X-ray, neck (cervical spine)
Facility: Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center
Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72040
- Insurance Median: $81
- Cash Discount Price: $190
- 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 | $49 - $80 | 55% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $80 - $121 | 90% |
| Triwest | $80 | 90% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $81 - $191 | 91% |
| Cigna | $191 | 215% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray of the cervical spine at Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center in Wichita, KS, the facility's cash median price is $190.00, which is nearly identical to the gross charge of $191.00. This rate is significantly higher than the state average for this procedure, as indicated by the 0.9 ratio compared to Medicare's benchmark of $88.91. While commercial insurance plans like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiate rates ranging from $49 to $121, these negotiated amounts often exceed the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the $190.00 cash rate directly, as this avoids the administrative overhead and potential markup associated with insurance billing cycles.
To ensure you are receiving the most favorable rate, it is crucial to verify your specific plan's negotiated amount before scheduling, as in-network rates can vary widely between carriers. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total cost by offering immediate liquidity incentives. Furthermore, if you receive a bill after insurance processing, request a full itemized audit to identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain discrepancies. Always dispute balance billing claims related to out-of-network ancillary services by referencing the No Surprises Act, rather than accepting summary invoices or signing away your rights to review the final charges.