CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $42
Cash Discount Price: $83
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at Greater Baltimore Medical Center is $42. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $83. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 0.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD.

Cash / Self-Pay

$83

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$42

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: $83 (93%)

Insurance Median: $42 (47%)

Cash: $83 (93% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $42 (47% 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
Aetna	$28 - $40	31%
Md Physician Care [237]	$28	31%
Medicaid / KanCare	$28	31%
Priority Partners [241]	$28	31%
UnitedHealthcare	$28 - $42	31%
Wellpoint [235]	$28	31%
Alterwood Health [290]	$29	33%
Jai Medical Services [236]	$30	34%
Carefirst Maryland Health Advantage Mca [264]	$42	47%
Carefirst [201]	$42 - $68	47%
Cfchp Mco [239]	$42	47%
Cigna	$42 - $47	47%
Communicare Advantage [300]	$42	47%
Humana	$42	47%
Johns Hopkins [213]	$42 - $57	47%
Keycare Advantage [299]	$42	47%
Medicare (plans)	$42	47%
Multiplan/Phcs [296]	$42 - $49	47%
Provider Partners Health Plan [298]	$42	47%
First Health Network [268]	$55	62%
Kaiser Permanente Hmo [231]	$58 - $60	65%
Carefirst Blue Choice Hmo [253]	$64	72%
Usa Managed Care Organization [301]	$65	73%
Carefirst Administrator [252]	$68	76%
All Payers	$105	118%

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 $83.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72040.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Greater Baltimore Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72040.
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.