CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Penobscot Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $134
Cash Discount Price: $184
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Penobscot Valley Hospital is $134. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $184. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 1.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 7 Transalpine Road, Po Box 368, Lincoln, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$184

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$134

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: $184 (207%)

Insurance Median: $134 (151%)

Cash: $184 (207% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $134 (151% 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
Medicare (plans)	$30 - $147	34%
Humana	$65 - $149	73%
UnitedHealthcare	$65 - $256	73%
Wellcare Health Plan Inc Mcr Adv	$65 - $149	73%
Aetna	$66 - $307	74%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$67 - $237	75%
Cigna	$132 - $301	148%
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare	$134 - $306	151%

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 $184.
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 Penobscot Valley 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.