X-ray, shoulder

For the X-ray, shoulder procedure (CPT 73030) at Satanta District Hospital, the cash price of $212.00 is lower than the facility's gross charge of $235.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital in Kansas with government ownership, patients should note that commercial insurance negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead. For instance, UnitedHealthcare plans have negotiated rates ranging from $67 to $240, and Aetna rates range from $101 to $163. In cases where your insurance deductible has not been met, paying the cash price of $212.00 upfront may result in immediate savings compared to the higher negotiated rates your insurer would otherwise apply.

To ensure you receive the most accurate pricing, it is essential to request a prompt-pay discount or self-pay rate before scheduling your visit, as these can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50%. If you are billed after receiving care, you should always demand a full itemized CPT-coded statement rather than accepting a summary bill, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as double-billing or unbundled codes. Additionally, if you receive a balance bill from an out-of-network provider, you may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities.