CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, neck (cervical spine)

Facility: Ascension St Francis Hospital

Billing Code: 72040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72040
Insurance Median: $98
Cash Discount Price: $157
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, neck (cervical spine) at Ascension St Francis Hospital is $98. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $157. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 1.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3237 S 16Th St, Milwaukee, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$157

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$98

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: $157 (177%)

Insurance Median: $98 (110%)

Cash: $157 (177% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $98 (110% 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
Wps	$38 - $110	43%
Medicare (plans)	$86	97%
Veterans Administration	$86	97%
Smart Health	$120	135%
UnitedHealthcare	$182	205%
Trilogy	$204	229%
Cigna	$231	260%

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 $157.
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 Ascension St Francis 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.