CT scan, chest (no contrast)
Facility: Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71250
- Insurance Median: $792
- Cash Discount Price: $1,453
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.42x 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 $106.81 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 742% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 642%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $480 | 449% |
| Aetna | $637 - $1,142 | 596% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $792 - $871 | 742% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the chest without contrast at Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc. in Marysville, Kansas, the facility's cash price is $1,453, which matches the cash median for this procedure in the state. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare range from $637 to $1,142, these amounts are still significantly higher than the cash price. This pricing structure highlights a common billing dynamic where paying out-of-pocket can be more cost-effective than using insurance, particularly for patients with high deductibles or those who have already met their out-of-pocket maximum. To minimize costs, patients should explicitly ask the registration desk about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fee reductions can lower the final bill by 20% to 50%.
When comparing this facility's pricing to broader benchmarks, it is important to note that the Medicare amount for this service is $106.81, which serves as the objective baseline for evaluating true cost. The facility's cash rate of $1,453 represents a substantial markup compared to the federal government's fixed reimbursement rate, illustrating how commercial rates often exceed the "true cost" of care delivery. Additionally, while the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients should remain vigilant regarding balance billing if they receive care from out-of-network providers, even at an in-network facility. If a surprise bill arises, consumers should dispute it in writing and request a No Surprises Act audit rather than accepting the full amount immediately, as federal protections often ban balance billing for emergency and non-emergency services.