X-ray, chest (single view)
Facility: Hospital District #6 Patterson Health Center
Billing Code: 71045 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71045
- Insurance Median: $144
- Cash Discount Price: $128
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.62x 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.
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 | $116 - $122 | 130% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $144 - $160 | 162% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $280 | 315% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71045, representing a chest X-ray at Hospital District #6 Patterson Health Center in Anthony, KS, the facility's cash median rate is $128.00, which is lower than the negotiated rates paid by major insurers like UnitedHealthcare ($144.00) and Providers Care ($280.00). This price transparency data highlights that patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the commercial negotiated rates often exceed the cash price. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the government, the cash rate of $128.00 remains significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, indicating a markup of 1.6 times the federal rate. Consumers should verify if their specific insurance plan has a lower negotiated rate before scheduling, as some commercial payers may offer better coverage than the cash option.
To ensure you receive the most accurate billing, it is crucial to request an itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices can obscure individual charges or unbundled services. If you encounter a balance bill for an out-of-network service, remember that the No Surprises Act generally protects you from paying the difference between the provider's full charge and your insurance allowed amount for emergency or non-emergency care at in-network facilities. Additionally, you should inquire about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce your final bill by 20% to 50% if settled upfront, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims processing. Always dispute any unexpected charges in writing to avoid credit damage, ensuring that your final payment reflects the true negotiated or cash rate rather than