CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $545
Cash Discount Price: $98
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital is $545. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $98. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 6.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 South Palestine St, Athens, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$98

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$545

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: $98 (110%)

Insurance Median: $545 (613%)

Cash: $98 (110% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $545 (613% 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 613% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 513%). 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
Amerigroup Commercial [5055]	$244	274%
Black Lung [6055]	$244	274%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$244	274%
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$244	274%
Lucent Health [6000]	$244	274%
Medicaid / KanCare	$244	274%
Web Tpa [2115]	$244 - $614	274%
Cigna	$545 - $625	613%
Aetna	$614	691%
Mailhandlers [1595]	$614	691%
Group Pension Admin [1450]	$625	703%
Humana	$625	703%
Phcs [1780]	$625	703%
Tml [1980]	$625	703%

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 $98.
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 UT Health East Texas Athens 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.