X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Ellinwood District Hospital
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $107
- Cash Discount Price: $130
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.20x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $80 - $133 | 90% |
| Aetna | $80 - $133 | 90% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $80 - $133 | 90% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $80 - $133 | 90% |
| Cigna | $80 - $133 | 90% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray, chest (two views) procedure at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood, KS, the cash median price is $130.00, while the median negotiated rate paid by commercial insurers is $107.00. This facility, a Critical Access Hospital owned by a Government Hospital District, charges $152.00 as the gross amount before discounts. While the negotiated rate of $107.00 is lower than the cash price, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash median of $130.00 upfront more cost-effective if their insurance deductible has not yet been met, as the negotiated rate often exceeds the cash price for those who must pay out-of-pocket. It is important to verify your specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as relying on insurance without checking your balance can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs.
The Medicare benchmark for this service is $88.91, which serves as the objective baseline for evaluating pricing markups. The facility's cash rate of $130.00 represents a 46% increase over the Medicare amount, while the negotiated rate of $107.00 is approximately 20% higher than the Medicare benchmark. Since the data does not provide specific state or county average comparisons for this procedure, patients should be aware that commercial rates often range between 200% and 300% of Medicare, though fair pricing is typically defined as 120% to 150%. To ensure you are receiving the best possible rate, you should contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts