X-ray, ankle
Facility: Fredonia Regional Hospital
Billing Code: 73610 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 73610
- Insurance Median: $187
- Cash Discount Price: $208
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.10x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 210% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 110%). 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 | $103 - $139 | 116% |
| Veterans Programs - All Plans | $106 | 119% |
| Aetna | $106 - $187 | 119% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $106 - $187 | 119% |
| Reserve National-All Plans | $187 | 210% |
| Cigna | $187 | 210% |
| Meritain-All Plans | $187 | 210% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 73610 (X-ray, ankle) at Fredonia Regional Hospital in Fredonia, KS, the cash median price is $208.00, which matches the facility's gross charge. This cash rate is notably higher than the state average for this procedure, making it a potentially attractive option for patients with high-deductible plans who have not yet met their out-of-pocket maximum. While commercial payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna negotiate rates ranging from $103 to $187, these amounts often exceed the cash price due to administrative overhead and contract structures. Patients should verify their specific plan's deductible status before scheduling, as paying the cash rate upfront may result in immediate coverage without waiting for insurance reimbursement, effectively bypassing the higher negotiated fees.
To ensure you are not overcharged, it is essential to request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered. If you receive a balance bill for the difference between the negotiated rate and the cash price, you may be eligible for protections under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities. Additionally, ask the hospital directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the $208.00 cash rate by 20% to 50% if paid in full within 30 days. Always dispute any unexpected charges in writing and avoid signing consent waivers that waive your rights to review the final itemized statement.