X-ray, foot

For the X-ray of the foot (CPT 73630) at Mercy Hospital Columbus, the facility's cash median price is $336.00, which is lower than the state average of $326.00 for this service. While Medicare sets a benchmark rate of $88.91 for this procedure, commercial negotiated rates vary significantly across payers, ranging from a low of $4 to a high of $579. Patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash price of $336.00 more cost-effective than using insurance, as many commercial negotiated rates exceed the cash amount due to administrative overhead and contract structures. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final bill by bypassing the standard insurance billing cycle.

The facility's negotiated rates average $405.00, which is higher than the cash price but generally aligns with the range of commercial contracts observed in the data. Because insurance companies negotiate different rates for each plan, being in-network does not guarantee the lowest possible price; some payers have negotiated rates as high as $579.00. To ensure you are not overcharged, patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling the procedure and request an itemized billing audit if discrepancies arise. Additionally, under the No Surprises Act, patients are protected from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, so any unexpected charges should be disputed immediately with the billing department.