CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (single view)

Facility: The McDowell Hospital

Billing Code: 71045 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71045
Insurance Median: $258
Cash Discount Price: $557
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (single view) at The McDowell Hospital is $258. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $557. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 430 Rankin Drive P O Box 730, Marion, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$557

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$258

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: $557 (626%)

Insurance Median: $258 (290%)

Cash: $557 (626% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $258 (290% 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 290% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 190%). 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	$74	83%
United	$75 - $286	84%
Wellcare	$76	85%
Amerihealth	$77	87%
Partners Health Management	$78	88%
Vaya Health	$78	88%
Apex Health	$111	125%
Cigna	$191 - $298	215%
Caresource	$245	276%
Medcost	$273 - $473	307%
Magellan	$334	376%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$334	376%
Aetna	$402	452%
Multiplan	$445	501%
Avalon Administrative Services	$473	532%
Prime Health	$490 - $501	551%

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 $557.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71045.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm The McDowell Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71045.
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.