X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Children'S Mercy South
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $234
- Cash Discount Price: $124
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.63x 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 263% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 163%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $9 - $327 | 10% |
| Home State Health | $10 - $198 | 11% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $10 - $57 | 11% |
| Healthy Blue | $10 - $226 | 11% |
| Cigna | $10 - $338 | 11% |
| Wppa Providrs Care | $13 - $317 | 15% |
| Healthlink | $13 - $429 | 15% |
| Health Midwest Comprehensive Care | $14 - $317 | 16% |
| American Healthcare Alliance | $15 - $414 | 17% |
| Medica | $18 - $284 | 20% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $19 - $360 | 21% |
| Centivo | $20 - $317 | 22% |
| Nebraska Furniture Mart | $20 - $317 | 22% |
| Wellfit/Centrus | $20 - $317 | 22% |
| Coxhealth Network | $23 - $360 | 26% |
| Mercy Health | $23 - $365 | 26% |
| National Preferred Provider Network | $27 - $438 | 30% |
| Aetna | $292 - $331 | 328% |
| Orscheln | $317 | 357% |
| Quiktrip | $317 | 357% |
| Humana | $324 | 364% |
| Coventry Health Care Of Kansas | $360 | 405% |
| Multiplan | $370 | 416% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71046, representing a chest X-ray with two views, Children's Mercy South in Overland Park, KS, has a cash median price of $124.00, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $259.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield range from $9 to $360, the cash price offers a substantial alternative for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance. It is important to note that commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract structures; therefore, patients with high deductibles may save money by paying the cash rate directly rather than relying on insurance, provided they verify their specific plan's allowed amount.
To ensure you receive the most accurate pricing, it is recommended to ask the hospital directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final bill. Additionally, if you are using insurance, be aware that balance billing could occur if services are rendered by out-of-network providers, though the No Surprises Act protects patients from such unexpected charges for emergency and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Finally, always request a full itemized bill before paying, as summary invoices may obscure errors or unbundled charges, and remember that Medicare rates serve as a reliable benchmark for evaluating the fairness of commercial pricing.