X-ray, chest (two views)

For the CPT code 71046, representing an X-ray of the chest (two views), the facility's cash median rate is $285.00, while the negotiated rate paid by insurance is $85.00. This specific service has a gross charge of $439.00 and a Medicare benchmark of $88.91. The data shows that the cash price is significantly higher than the negotiated rate, which is typical for commercial insurance contracts that include administrative overhead and claim processing costs. Because the cash price exceeds the Medicare benchmark, patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find paying the cash rate directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which could result in a higher out-of-pocket expense if the deductible is not yet met.

The facility, Mercy Specialty Hospital Southeast Kansas, is located in Galena, KS, and reports 51 unique payers with negotiated rates ranging from $19 to $417. While many payers have negotiated rates near the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, some contracts extend significantly higher, such as the $307 to $329 range for several managed care organizations. To minimize costs, patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network rates vary widely by carrier. Additionally, patients should inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront, bypassing the administrative fees associated with insurance billing cycles.