X-ray, neck (cervical spine)
Facility: Girard Medical Center
Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72040
- Insurance Median: $158
- Cash Discount Price: $270
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.78x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $158 | 178% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $158 - $160 | 178% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $158 - $428 | 178% |
| Medicare (plans) | $158 | 178% |
| Kansas Superior Select-All Plans | $158 | 178% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $158 | 178% |
| Aetna | $158 - $788 | 178% |
| Multiplan-All Plans | $416 | 468% |
| Uhhis-All Plans | $428 | 481% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray of the cervical spine at Girard Medical Center in Girard, KS, the facility's negotiated rates range from $158 to $428 depending on the insurance plan, with a median paid amount of $158. This negotiated rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, reflecting the administrative costs and contract dynamics inherent in commercial insurance. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by a Government Hospital District, patients should be aware that cash-pay options may offer a lower price point of $270.00. In scenarios where a patient has a high deductible or limited insurance coverage, paying the cash price directly can sometimes be more cost-effective than relying on a negotiated rate that includes administrative overhead.
To minimize costs, consumers should proactively contact the hospital to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling the procedure, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the final bill. It is also important to request an itemized billing audit if a summary bill is received, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as double-billing or unbundled codes that can inflate the total. Given that the facility's location is in Kansas (ZIP 66743), patients should verify whether the specific negotiated rates align with state or county averages to ensure they are receiving fair pricing for the service rendered.