CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Central Montana Medical Center

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $186
Cash Discount Price: $167
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Central Montana Medical Center is $186. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $167. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 408 Wendell Ave, Lewistown, MT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$167

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$186

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: $167 (188%)

Insurance Median: $186 (209%)

Cash: $167 (188% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $186 (209% 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 209% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 109%). 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	$10 - $352	11%
Humana	$10 - $190	11%
Triwest - All Plans	$10 - $186	11%
Veterans Affairs - All Plans	$10 - $186	11%
Montana Health Co-Op - All Plans	$17 - $341	19%
Allegiance Comm - All Other Plans	$18 - $337	20%
Allegiance Rbphp	$18 - $636	20%
Health Infonet - All Plans	$18 - $337	20%
Ebms - All Plans	$19 - $334	21%
Coventry/First Health - All Plans	$327	368%
UnitedHealthcare	$327	368%
Interwest Ppo	$344	387%
Pacific Source Hp - All Plans	$344	387%
Interwest Trad - All Other Plans	$352	396%

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 $167.
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 Central Montana Medical Center 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.