X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Girard Medical Center
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $131
- Cash Discount Price: $225
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.47x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Superior Select-All Plans | $131 | 147% |
| Aetna | $131 - $656 | 147% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $131 - $151 | 147% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $131 - $356 | 147% |
| Humana | $131 | 147% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $131 | 147% |
| Medicare (plans) | $131 | 147% |
| Multiplan-All Plans | $347 | 390% |
| Uhhis-All Plans | $356 | 400% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, "X-ray, chest (two views)," at Girard Medical Center in Girard, KS, the facility's cash median rate is $225.00, which is higher than the state average of $131.00. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by a Government Hospital District, its commercial negotiated rates range from $131.00 to $656.00 depending on the payer, with most major insurers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare settling at $131.00. This suggests that for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance, paying the cash price of $225.00 may not be the most economical option, as many in-network negotiated rates are significantly lower. However, because the cash price exceeds the median negotiated amount, patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling to ensure they are not paying more than necessary.
To avoid unexpected costs, patients should request a prompt-pay discount if they choose to pay out-of-pocket, as hospitals often offer reductions for upfront payments to bypass administrative processing fees. Additionally, since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, it is advisable to request a full itemized billing audit rather than accepting a summary bill, which can obscure unbundled charges or services not rendered. If a patient receives a balance bill from an out-of-network provider at this in-network facility, they may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for emergency and non-emergency services; in such cases, patients should dispute the bill in writing with the insurer rather than paying