CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: Frye Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $123
Cash Discount Price: $486
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at Frye Regional Medical Center is $123. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $486. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 1.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$486

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$123

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: $486 (547%)

Insurance Median: $123 (138%)

Cash: $486 (547% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $123 (138% 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
Aetna	$37 - $75	42%
Amerihealth Caritas Next	$54	61%
Ambetter / Centene	$72	81%
Humana	$74	83%
UnitedHealthcare	$75 - $217	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$120 - $264	135%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina	$123	138%
Carolina Complete Health Inc.	$123	138%
Partners Health Management	$123	138%
Trillium Health Resources	$123	138%
Wellcare Of North Carolina, Inc	$136	153%
Vanguard Furniture	$206	232%
State Health Plan	$259	291%

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 $486.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72040.

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 72040.
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.