CT scan, chest (no contrast)
Facility: Wamego Health Center
Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 71250
- Insurance Median: $107
- Cash Discount Price: $850
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.00x 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 $106.81 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $42 - $107 | 39% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $44 - $140 | 41% |
| Aetna | $44 - $111 | 41% |
| Providrs Care | $69 - $182 | 65% |
| Tricare | $174 | 163% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $631 - $664 | 591% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the chest without contrast at Wamego Health Center, the cash price is $850.00, which is significantly lower than the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield ($631–$664) and Medicaid/KanCare ($44–$140). While the facility's cash rate is higher than the Medicare benchmark of $106.81, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly more cost-effective if their insurance negotiated rate exceeds this amount. It is important to note that the cash price is not the same as the "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount; patients should explicitly ask the billing department about these potential reductions before scheduling to ensure they are receiving the lowest possible out-of-pocket rate.
This procedure is billed under CPT code 71250, and the facility's pricing structure reflects standard commercial billing practices where negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract dynamics. Although the data does not provide specific county or state average comparisons for this exact code, the facility's cash rate of $850.00 serves as a clear baseline for comparison against any commercial negotiated amounts. Patients should avoid accepting summary bills that obscure individual line items and instead request a full itemized statement to verify that no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included. Additionally, since the facility is a Critical Access Hospital in Kansas, understanding the difference between the gross charge and the actual allowed amount is crucial for managing medical debt effectively.