X-ray, neck (cervical spine)
Facility: Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute
Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72040
- Insurance Median: $81
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $32 - $318 | 36% |
| Cigna | $54 - $248 | 61% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $81 - $191 | 91% |
| Aetna | $81 | 91% |
| Medica | $201 | 226% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray of the cervical spine at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute in Leawood, KS, the facility's negotiated rates with major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna range from $54 to $318, while the median negotiated amount across all payers is $81. This commercial rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, which serves as the objective baseline for true healthcare costs. While commercial contracts often include administrative overhead that can inflate prices, patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying the cash price directly is more cost-effective, as the facility's cash rate is not listed in this report but is typically lower than the insurer's allowed amount. It is important to note that while the facility is an Acute Care Hospital owned by physicians, the specific cash or self-pay rates are not disclosed here, so patients should contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts that could further reduce the bill.
Patients should be aware that commercial insurance rates are not always the lowest possible option, and assuming that being in-network guarantees the best price can lead to unexpected costs. If a patient has not met their deductible, they may be responsible for the full negotiated rate, which in this case averages $81, rather than the lower cash alternative. To ensure transparency and avoid balance billing, which is largely prohibited for emergency services at in-network facilities under the No Surprises Act, consumers should request a full itemized bill before paying. This allows them to verify that no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included in the final charge. By comparing the facility's rates against the Medicare benchmark and actively seeking out self-pay discounts prior to scheduling, patients