CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: St Luke's Patients Medical Center

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $230
Cash Discount Price: $532
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.59x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at St Luke's Patients Medical Center is $230. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $532. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 2.59x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4600 East Sam Houston Parkway South, Pasadena, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$532

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$230

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: $532 (598%)

Insurance Median: $230 (259%)

Cash: $532 (598% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $230 (259% 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 259% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 159%). 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
Chc	$32	36%
Tchp	$32	36%
United	$34 - $230	38%
Wellpoint	$34 - $132	38%
Cigna	$73 - $1,100	82%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$88 - $269	99%
Humana	$88	99%
Kelsey	$88	99%
Aetna	$90 - $1,068	101%
Amerivantage	$91	102%
Devoted	$94	106%
Scanhealth	$94	106%
Ambetter / Centene	$132	148%
Community Health Choice	$132	148%
Bright Health	$135	152%
Coventry	$956 - $1,021	1075%
First Health	$956 - $1,021	1075%
Healthsmart	$1,030 - $1,100	1158%
Multiplan	$1,103 - $1,178	1241%

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 $532.
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 St Luke's Patients Medical Center 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.