CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $256
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.88x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is $256. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$256

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%)

Insurance Median: $256 (288%)

Ins. Median: $256 (288% 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 288% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 188%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $274	8%
Texaschildrens	$8 - $161	9%
Tricare	$9 - $274	10%
Vacare	$9 - $161	10%
Medicare (plans)	$13 - $161	15%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$16 - $264	18%
Aetna	$19 - $274	21%
Cigna	$22 - $274	25%
Humana	$60 - $282	67%
Ontarioministriesofhealth	$74 - $271	83%
Beijingst.Lucia	$75 - $274	84%
Embassyofqatar	$75 - $274	84%
Memorialhermannhealth	$75 - $274	84%
Emergingtherapysolutions_Cancercare	$80 - $293	90%
Interlink_Cancercare	$80 - $293	90%
Saudiarmedforces	$80 - $293	90%
Uae_Medical	$80 - $293	90%
Uaepoliceattache	$80 - $293	90%
Healthsmart	$85 - $311	96%
Vantage	$85 - $311	96%
Multiplan	$91 - $315	102%
Phcs	$91 - $315	102%
Emergingtherapysolutions	$274 - $293	308%
Interlink	$274 - $311	308%

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 $X.
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 University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer 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.