CT scan, chest (no contrast)
Facility: Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71250
- Insurance Median: $1,486
- Cash Discount Price: $2,703
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.91x 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 1391% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1291%). 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 | $484 | 453% |
| Tricare | $1,351 | 1265% |
| Humana | $1,351 | 1265% |
| Medicare (plans) | $1,365 | 1278% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $1,486 | 1391% |
| Coventry - All Other Plans | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Preferred Healthcare-All Plans | $2,567 | 2403% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas - All Plans | $2,567 | 2403% |
| Wppa/Providers Care-All Plans | $3,784 | 3543% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the chest without contrast at Memorial Hospital in Abilene, KS, the cash price is $2,703, which matches the facility's median negotiated rate. This cash price is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $106.81, illustrating the substantial markup typical in commercial healthcare. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by a government hospital district, the negotiated rates for major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Tricare are $484 and $1,351 respectively, both well below the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash price directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates often exceed the cash amount. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can further reduce the final bill.
The data indicates that the facility's pricing structure relies heavily on its government ownership and Critical Access Hospital status, yet the commercial rates remain elevated compared to the Medicare baseline. For instance, the highest negotiated rate among the nine payers listed is $3,784 from Wppa/Providers Care, which is nearly double the cash price. This disparity highlights the importance of verifying specific plan allowances before scheduling, as in-network status does not guarantee the lowest possible price. To ensure accuracy, patients should request a full itemized billing audit to review every line item and confirm that no services were unbundled or incorrectly charged. Given that over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, obtaining a detailed, CPT-coded statement is essential before making any payment or negotiating a settlement.