CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $197
Cash Discount Price: $345
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Reading Hospital is $197. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $345. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$345

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$197

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: $345 (388%)

Insurance Median: $197 (222%)

Cash: $345 (388% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $197 (222% 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 222% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 122%). 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	$13 - $211	15%
Upmc	$16 - $266	18%
Geisinger	$18 - $312	20%
Keystone First	$18	20%
Amerihealth Caritas	$19	21%
Gateway	$19	21%
Health Partners	$19	21%
Pa Health & Wellness	$19	21%
UnitedHealthcare	$19 - $433	21%
Wernersville State Hospital	$19	21%
Aetna	$37 - $340	42%
Pma	$197	222%
Lehigh Valley Health Network	$222	250%
Cigna	$282	317%
Berkshire	$370	416%
First Health	$380	427%
Blue Ridge	$468	526%

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 $345.
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 Reading Hospital 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.