X-ray, neck (cervical spine)
Facility: University Of Ks Hlth System Great Bend Campus
Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72040
- Insurance Median: $168
- Cash Discount Price: $79
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.89x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Workers Comp [503999901] | $81 | 91% |
| Ku Athletics [503200094] | $81 | 91% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $81 | 91% |
| Medicare (plans) | $83 | 93% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $84 | 94% |
| Allwell [503200078] | $84 | 94% |
| Tricare | $86 | 97% |
| Triwest [503201703] | $86 | 97% |
| Humana | $86 | 97% |
| Centurion [5032000966] | $106 | 119% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $118 | 133% |
| Hchsync Centrus Health Direct [503999916] | $119 - $139 | 134% |
| Alt Wppa [5032000964] | $166 | 187% |
| Wppa [503200056] | $166 | 187% |
| Meritain Health [503200039] | $166 - $238 | 187% |
| Occunet [503999930] | $171 | 192% |
| Fort Hays State Student Athletes [5032000960] | $171 | 192% |
| Alt Carelon Behavioral Health [503200905] | $198 | 223% |
| 6 Degrees Health [503999050] | $203 | 228% |
| Php [503200005] | $238 | 268% |
| National Assn Letter Carriers [503200019] | $238 | 268% |
| Aha-Healthcare Preferred [503200050] | $238 | 268% |
| Alt Meritain Health [503999911] | $238 | 268% |
| Aetna | $238 | 268% |
| First Health [5032000110] | $238 | 268% |
| Allied National [503999937] | $238 | 268% |
| Cigna | $238 - $317 | 268% |
| Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions [503301513] | $257 | 289% |
| Correct Care Solutions [50311253] | $277 | 312% |
| Usa Managed Care [503999030] | $356 | 400% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray of the cervical spine at the University of KS Health System Great Bend Campus, the cash median price is $79.00, which is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by insurance plans ranging from $81.00 to $356.00. While the facility's cash rate is the lowest option available, patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying the full cash price upfront is more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates often exceed the cash amount. To secure the best possible price, patients should explicitly ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full before or shortly after the service.
When evaluating the cost of this procedure, it is important to compare the facility's rates against the Medicare benchmark rather than the hospital's inflated chargemaster list. The Medicare amount for this service is $88.91, and the facility's cash rate of $79.00 is below this federal baseline, indicating a highly competitive price point. Although the facility is an Acute Care Hospital in Great Bend, KS, with a government ownership structure, the data shows that many commercial payers negotiate rates well above the Medicare rate, sometimes reaching up to 190% of the Medicare amount. Consumers should avoid accepting summary bills that obscure individual charges and instead request a detailed, itemized statement to ensure no errors or unbundled codes are included before finalizing payment.