X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Grisell Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $218
- Cash Discount Price: $238
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.45x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 245% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 145%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $142 | 160% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $186 - $250 | 209% |
| Humana | $250 | 281% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $250 | 281% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray with two views, Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas, lists a gross charge of $250.00. This amount aligns with the highest negotiated rate observed among the four payers, including UnitedHealthcare and Humana, though it exceeds the cash median of $238.00 and the state average of $218.00. When compared to the federal Medicare benchmark of $88.91, the facility's gross charge represents a significant markup, highlighting the difference between the government's cost-based reimbursement and commercial pricing structures.
Patients should be aware that while insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated rates ranging from $142 to $250, paying cash upfront may result in a lower out-of-pocket cost if the patient's deductible has not yet been met. To maximize savings, individuals should explicitly request a "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the total bill by bypassing administrative claim processing fees. It is also important to verify that any waiver forms signed at registration do not inadvertently authorize balance billing for out-of-network ancillary services, ensuring that the final amount owed reflects the agreed-upon negotiated or cash rates rather than unexpected full chargemaster charges.