X-ray, chest (single view)
Facility: Lincoln County Hospital
Billing Code: 71045 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71045
- Insurance Median: $124
- Cash Discount Price: $256
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.39x 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 | $124 | 139% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this chest X-ray procedure at Lincoln County Hospital in Lincoln, KS, the cash price of $256.00 is notably higher than the state average of $124.00, though it remains below the facility's gross charge of $285.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with government local ownership, the negotiated rate for in-network patients is also $124.00, matching the low end of the reported range. Patients should be aware that while insurance contracts often cap costs, the administrative overhead included in these negotiated rates can sometimes make the cash price more favorable if their deductible has already been met.
To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is essential to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network rates can vary significantly between providers. If you are paying out-of-pocket, ask the billing department about "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% for upfront payment. Additionally, since the Medicare benchmark for this service is $88.91, the commercial negotiated rate represents a markup relative to this federal baseline. Always request an itemized bill to confirm that no services were bundled or double-charged, and do not sign away your rights to dispute balance billing until you have reviewed the full details of your care.