CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $334
Cash Discount Price: $452
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.76x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Boston Children's Hospital is $334. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $452. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 3.76x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$452

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$334

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: $452 (508%)

Insurance Median: $334 (376%)

Cash: $452 (508% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $334 (376% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 376% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 276%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$128 - $298	144%
Cdphp	$221 - $384	249%
Harvard Pilgrim	$230 - $305	259%
United	$270 - $378	304%
Aetna	$271 - $379	305%
Mgb/Allways	$275 - $334	309%
Tufts Public Plan	$278	313%
United Ri Nj Ny	$285	321%
Ambetter / Centene	$286	322%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$294	331%
UnitedHealthcare	$294 - $384	331%
Carelon/Beacon	$339	381%
Fallon	$345 - $348	388%
Health New England	$365	411%
Cigna	$384 - $408	432%
Ets/Lifetrac	$384	432%
Interlink Transplant	$384	432%
Community Health Options	$407	458%
Humana	$407	458%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$416	468%
Multiplan/Phcs	$416 - $429	468%

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 $452.
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 Boston Children's 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.