CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, chest (no contrast)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71250
Insurance Median: $1,725
Cash Discount Price: $2,429
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, chest (no contrast) at Boston Children's Hospital is $1,725. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,429. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 16.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,429

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,725

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,429 (2274%)

Insurance Median: $1,725 (1615%)

Cash: $2,429 (2274% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,725 (1615% of 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 1615% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1515%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Unicare	$623	583%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$672 - $1,604	629%
Cdphp	$1,190 - $2,065	1114%
Harvard Pilgrim	$1,234 - $1,641	1155%
United	$1,453 - $2,029	1360%
Aetna	$1,457 - $2,036	1364%
Mgb/Allways	$1,477 - $1,796	1383%
Tufts Public Plan	$1,492 - $1,496	1397%
United Ri Nj Ny	$1,530	1432%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,535	1437%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$1,579	1478%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,579 - $2,065	1478%
Carelon/Beacon	$1,822	1706%
Fallon	$1,853 - $1,873	1735%
Health New England	$1,963	1838%
Cigna	$2,065 - $2,192	1933%
Ets/Lifetrac	$2,065	1933%
Interlink Transplant	$2,065	1933%
Community Health Options	$2,186	2047%
Humana	$2,186	2047%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$2,235	2093%
Multiplan/Phcs	$2,235 - $2,308	2093%

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 $2,429.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71250.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Boston Children's Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71250.
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.