CT scan, chest (no contrast)
Facility: Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute
Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71250
- Insurance Median: $315
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.95x 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 $106.81 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 295% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 195%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $98 - $191 | 92% |
| Aetna | $98 | 92% |
| Cigna | $100 - $1,568 | 94% |
| Medica | $201 | 188% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $315 - $2,007 | 295% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71250 (CT scan, chest, no contrast) at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute in Leawood, KS, the facility's negotiated rates range from $98 to $2,007 across five payers, with a median negotiated rate of $315. This commercial rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $106.81, reflecting the typical administrative markup inherent in insurance contracts. While the facility is an Acute Care Hospital owned by physicians, patients should be aware that cash-pay options are often more economical for those with high-deductible plans, as the cash median is not listed but could potentially be lower than the $315 median negotiated amount. It is crucial to verify "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts directly with the hospital before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can bypass the higher administrative costs associated with insurance billing cycles.
Patients must exercise caution regarding balance billing and billing errors, as commercial rates can sometimes exceed what a patient's insurance allows, leading to unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Although the No Surprises Act protects against balance billing for emergency services at in-network facilities, it is vital to request a full itemized bill before paying any invoice, as summary bills may obscure unbundled charges or services not rendered. Given that over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, consumers should dispute any discrepancies in writing rather than accepting verbal assurances. By comparing the facility's rates against the Medicare baseline and actively seeking prompt-pay discounts, patients can ensure they are paying a fair price for their care without falling victim to common billing pitfalls.