X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Rawlins County Health Center
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $326
- Cash Discount Price: $319
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.67x 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 367% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 267%). 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 | $151 | 170% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $326 | 367% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray, chest (two views) procedure at Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, KS, the cash price is $319.00, which is lower than the facility's negotiated rate of $326.00. While the facility is in-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, patients should verify their specific plan details, as commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative costs and contract structures. If you have a high-deductible plan, paying the cash price upfront may result in lower out-of-pocket costs compared to your insurance's allowed amount, provided you do not have a deductible or copay obligation that exceeds the cash rate.
This service is priced at 3.7 times the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, reflecting the typical markup found in commercial healthcare pricing. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is recommended to explicitly request a prompt-pay discount before scheduling your visit, as hospitals often offer significant fee reductions for upfront payments that bypass standard insurance billing cycles. Additionally, always ask for an itemized bill to review every charge, ensuring no services were unbundled or incorrectly listed, as detailed statements are essential for identifying and disputing any billing errors before final payment.