X-ray, hand
Facility: Jewell County Hospital
Billing Code: 73130 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 73130
- Insurance Median: $251
- Cash Discount Price: $198
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.82x 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 282% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 182%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Carriers - All Plans | $224 | 252% |
| Aetna | $238 | 268% |
| Meritain - All Plans | $238 | 268% |
| First Health - All Plans | $251 | 282% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $251 | 282% |
| Midlands Choice - All Plans | $251 | 282% |
| Cigna | $251 | 282% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this X-ray of the hand at Jewell County Hospital in Mankato, KS, the facility's cash price of $198 is lower than the state average of $251, offering a potential savings of $53 for self-pay patients. However, the negotiated rates for in-network plans, such as Aetna, Meritain, and Cigna, are set at $238 to $251, which exceeds the cash price. This pricing structure highlights a common scenario where commercial insurance contracts result in higher out-of-pocket costs than paying directly, particularly for patients with high deductibles who may not yet have met their coverage threshold. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients should verify their specific plan details before scheduling, as the negotiated amount represents the maximum insurer will pay rather than the final patient responsibility.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is advisable to request a prompt-pay discount if you choose to pay cash upfront, as hospitals often offer reductions of 20% to 50% for immediate payment to bypass administrative billing cycles. Additionally, if you have an out-of-network provider or encounter unexpected charges, you may be subject to balance billing, where the provider bills the difference between their full chargemaster rate and your insurance allowed amount. Under the No Surprises Act, balance billing is generally prohibited for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities, so any surprise bill should be disputed with your insurer rather than paid immediately. Finally, always demand a full itemized bill before agreeing to pay, as summary invoices can obscure errors or unbundled charges that should be reviewed through a formal audit to protect your financial interests.