CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Massachusetts General Hospital

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $177
Cash Discount Price: $354
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Massachusetts General Hospital is $177. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $354. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 1.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$354

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$177

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$88.91

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $88.91 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $354 (398%)

Insurance Median: $177 (199%)

Cash: $354 (398% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $177 (199% of 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.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Champva [160001]	$99	111%
Tricare	$99	111%
Molina [1014]	$102	115%
Tufts Health Plan [170001]	$102	115%
Tufts Health Public Plans [1013]	$102	115%
UnitedHealthcare	$102 - $386	115%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$105 - $247	118%
Commonwealth Care Alliance [1007]	$105	118%
Elder Services [1037]	$105	118%
Fallon Health [1008]	$105	118%
Generic Commercial [1009]	$105	118%
Humana	$105	118%
Martin'S Point [160007]	$105	118%
Medicare (plans)	$105	118%
Mgb Health Plan [150001]	$105 - $181	118%
Wellsense Nh [1050]	$105	118%
Wellsense [1003]	$105	118%
Centers Of Excellence [1026]	$131 - $339	147%
Cigna	$252 - $375	283%
International Commercial [140001]	$307 - $386	345%
Aetna	$329	370%
Wellpoint [1015]	$348	391%
Health New England [1034]	$363	408%
Phcs Multiplan [1022]	$363	408%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $354.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71046.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Massachusetts General Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71046.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.