CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: St Lukes Hospital

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $43
Cash Discount Price: $180
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.48x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at St Lukes Hospital is $43. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $180. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 0.48x the Medicare baseline. Located in 915 East 1St Street, Duluth, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$180

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$43

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: $180 (202%)

Insurance Median: $43 (48%)

Cash: $180 (202% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $43 (48% 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
Group Health Cooperative Of Eau Claire	$15	17%
Security Health Plan Of Wisconsin, Inc.	$15 - $1,473	17%
Ucare	$16 - $20	18%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$18 - $194	20%
Medica	$18 - $66	20%
Humana	$20 - $95	22%
UnitedHealthcare	$20 - $51	22%
Aetna	$23 - $93	26%
Healthpartners	$23 - $92	26%
Tricare	$23	26%

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 $180.
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 St Lukes 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.