X-ray, ankle

For the X-ray, ankle procedure (CPT 73610), Mercy Hospital Columbus lists a cash price of $378.00, which is lower than the facility's gross charge of $582.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Humana and Medicaid / KanCare range from $24 to $679, the cash price is notably lower than the median negotiated rate of $427.00 reported for this service. Patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price more advantageous if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds $378.00, as paying upfront can bypass administrative fees and potential balance billing. It is important to note that while the facility is in-network for many plans, the actual amount paid by insurance varies significantly by payer, with some contracts allowing up to $679.00.

To maximize savings, patients should inquire directly with the hospital 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. Although the data does not provide a specific state or county average for comparison, the facility's cash rate of $378.00 is substantially below its gross charge, illustrating the potential for significant cost reduction through direct payment. Additionally, under the No Surprises Act, patients are protected from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, though they should still request an itemized bill to verify that all charges correspond to services actually rendered. Given that the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients are encouraged to confirm their