CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, chest (two views)

Facility: Charleston Area Medical Center

Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71046
Insurance Median: $334
Cash Discount Price: $400
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.76x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, chest (two views) at Charleston Area Medical Center is $334. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $400. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $88.91, this hospital’s rate is 3.76x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Morris Street, Charleston, WV.

Cash / Self-Pay

$400

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$334

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: $400 (450%)

Insurance Median: $334 (376%)

Cash: $400 (450% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $334 (376% 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 376% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 276%). 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
Aetna	$84 - $424	94%
The Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$84 - $420	94%
Unicare Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$84	94%
Triwest Va	$86	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$89 - $395	100%
Choicecare Network	$89 - $424	100%
Optimum Choice Inc.	$89	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$92 - $424	103%
West Virginia Senior Advantage Inc.	$93	105%
Integrated Medical Solutions	$173	195%
Naphcare	$178	200%
Tricare	$206 - $260	232%
Caresource	$222	250%
City Of Charleston	$258 - $325	290%
Cigna	$320 - $403	360%
Three Rivers Providers Network	$334 - $420	376%
Healthsmart	$337 - $424	379%
Multiplan	$337 - $424	379%

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 $400.
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 Charleston Area 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.