CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, chest (no contrast)

Facility: Frye Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71250
Insurance Median: $358
Cash Discount Price: $1,856
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.35x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, chest (no contrast) at Frye Regional Medical Center is $358. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,856. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.35x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,856

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$358

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,856 (1738%)

Insurance Median: $358 (335%)

Cash: $1,856 (1738% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $358 (335% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 335% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 235%). 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
Humana	$99 - $100	93%
UnitedHealthcare	$100 - $1,018	94%
Aetna	$102 - $366	95%
Luminare Health	$244	228%
Cigna	$253	237%
Ambetter / Centene	$350	328%
Amerihealth Caritas Next	$350	328%
Meritain Health	$366	343%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$399 - $481	374%
Vaya Health	$481	450%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina	$490	459%
Carolina Complete Health Inc.	$490	459%
Partners Health Management	$490	459%
Wellcare Of North Carolina, Inc	$495	463%
Rhf Investments	$540	506%

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 $1,856.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71250.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Frye Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71250.
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.