CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: The University Hospital

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $164
Cash Discount Price: $116
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at The University Hospital is $164. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $116. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 1.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$116

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$164

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: $116 (130%)

Insurance Median: $164 (184%)

Cash: $116 (130% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $164 (184% 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
Amerihealth	$21 - $100	24%
Horizon	$35 - $201	39%
Aetna	$99 - $164	111%
Fidelis	$99 - $100	111%
UnitedHealthcare	$99 - $100	111%
Clover Health	$100	112%
Wellpoint	$101	114%
First Health	$236	265%
Americare	$253	285%
Qualcare	$253	285%
Correctional Medical Services	$269	303%
Multiplan	$269	303%
First Trenton	$303	341%
Managed Care Inc	$303	341%
Consumer Health Network	$320	360%
Three Rivers	$320	360%

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 $116.
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 The University Hospital 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.