X-ray, chest (two views)
Facility: Salina Regional Health Center
Billing Code: 71046 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71046
- Insurance Median: $508
- Cash Discount Price: $395
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.71x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 571% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 471%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $158 - $166 | 178% |
| Preferred Phsic | $338 | 380% |
| Preferred Healthcare - All Other Plans | $457 | 514% |
| Aetna | $508 | 571% |
| Multiplan (Mpi)-All Plans | $508 | 571% |
| Cigna | $508 | 571% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $508 | 571% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the X-ray, chest (two views) procedure at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $395.00, which is lower than the state average of $457.00. While many insurance plans negotiate rates that exceed this cash price—such as Preferred Healthcare and Aetna, both at $508.00—patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash rate directly more cost-effective. To secure the best possible price, it is advisable to ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final amount owed before insurance processing begins.
The facility's negotiated rates vary significantly by payer, ranging from a low of $158.00 with Blue Cross Blue Shield to a high of $508.00 with several other carriers, reflecting the complex dynamics of insurance contracts. When comparing these commercial rates to the Medicare benchmark of $88.91, the facility's pricing aligns with typical market structures where negotiated rates often exceed the federal baseline. Because over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, patients should request a detailed, itemized statement rather than accepting a summary bill, ensuring that charges are accurate and that any potential balance billing or unbundling issues are addressed before payment.