X-ray, chest (single view)
Facility: Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Billing Code: 71045 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71045
- Insurance Median: $89
- Cash Discount Price: $135
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.00x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $35 - $145 | 39% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $44 - $111 | 49% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $124 | 139% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71045, representing a chest X-ray at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville, KS, the cash price is $135.00, which matches the facility's median negotiated rate of $89.00 and the Medicare benchmark of $88.91. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients should be aware that commercial payers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated rates ranging from $35 to $145, which often exceed the cash price. This pricing dynamic suggests that for individuals with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price of $135.00 upfront could result in lower out-of-pocket costs compared to having insurance process the claim, as the insurer's allowed amount may be higher than the cash rate. It is advisable to confirm with the hospital whether "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available before scheduling, as these incentives can further reduce the final cost.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is important to request an itemized billing audit rather than accepting a summary bill that obscures individual line items. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, a detailed review is the most effective way to identify and correct discrepancies before payment. Additionally, while the facility's pricing is transparent, patients should avoid using the hospital's gross chargemaster list as a benchmark for savings, as these figures are inflated to make discounts appear larger. Instead, compare the negotiated and cash rates directly against the Medicare amount to understand the true cost basis. If you receive a balance bill for out-of-network