X-ray, chest (single view)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 71045 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71045
- Insurance Median: $81
- Cash Discount Price: $67
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.91x 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $7 - $51 | 8% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $7 - $228 | 8% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $7 - $51 | 8% |
| Providrs Care | $12 - $32 | 13% |
| Humana | $81 - $82 | 91% |
| Medicare (plans) | $81 - $83 | 91% |
| Va | $81 | 91% |
| Smarthealth | $114 | 128% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $134 - $141 | 151% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $138 | 155% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 71045, representing a chest X-ray, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, lists a gross charge of $167.00. While the facility offers a cash median price of $67.00, which is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by major insurers like UnitedHealthcare ($7–$228) and Blue Cross Blue Shield ($134–$141), patients should be aware that commercial insurance often results in higher out-of-pocket costs due to administrative fees and contract structures. The facility's negotiated rate of $81.00 sits below the gross charge but remains higher than the cash option, illustrating a common scenario where paying out-of-pocket can be more economical for those with high-deductible plans or no coverage. To maximize savings, patients are encouraged to explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can bypass the standard insurance billing cycle and reduce the final amount owed.
When evaluating the cost of this procedure, it is essential to compare rates against objective benchmarks rather than the hospital's inflated list price. The Medicare amount for this service is $88.91, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of delivery, whereas commercial rates often average 200% to 300% of this figure. Although specific county or state average data for this exact procedure is not provided in the current dataset, the facility's cash rate of $67.00 is notably lower than the Medicare benchmark, suggesting potential value for cash payers. If a patient receives a bill that exceeds the allowed amount or includes unexpected charges, they