Chest X-Ray: What It Costs and What's Fair

CPT 71045 · Medicare rate: $25 · National avg charge: $248 · BillKarma data from 120 providers

Reviewed 2026-04-04 · Pricing data year: 2026

Chest X-Ray (CPT 71045) is a diagnostic imaging scan that gives physicians detailed views of internal structures without surgery. It is typically ordered to evaluate an injury, disease, or condition that cannot be fully assessed through a physical exam alone. The scan usually takes 15 to 60 minutes to complete.

Cost by Billing Grade

Grade	Avg Hospital Charge	Medicare Rate	Est. Patient Cost*	Hospitals
C	$149	$25	$30	4
D	$335	$25	$67	2
F	$353	$25	$71	26
N/A	$219	$25	$44	88

*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible is met. Actual cost depends on your specific plan, deductible status, and network.

Cost Range Across Hospitals

Min: $20 Max: $634

Grade A (≤2x Medicare) Grade B (2–3x) Grade C (3–5x) Grade D/F (5x+)

What This Procedure Typically Costs by Facility Type

Hospital

120 providers

$20 — $634 | Avg: $248 (9.8x Medicare)

Find Providers Near You for This Procedure

Grade A-B only

Showing 10 lowest-markup providers nationally across hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging centers. Enter ZIP code to compare local providers side by side.

Provider	Type	Location	Grade	Charge	Benchmark	Markup	Your Est. Cost
SAINT THOMAS HICKMAN HOSPITAL	Hospital	CENTERVILLE, TN	F	$20	$25 Medicare OPPS	0.8x	—
ADVENTIST BOLINGBROOK HOSPITAL	Hospital	BOLINGBROOK, IL	N/A	$52	$25 Medicare OPPS	2.0x	—
SANFORD LUVERNE MEDICAL CENTER	Hospital	LUVERNE, MN	F	$52	$25 Medicare OPPS	2.0x	—
ADVENTHEALTH LAKE WALES	Hospital	LAKE WALES, FL	C	$76	$25 Medicare OPPS	3.0x	—
ADVENTHEALTH DADE CITY	Hospital	DADE CITY, FL	C	$76	$25 Medicare OPPS	3.0x	—
ADVENTIST HINSDALE HOSPITAL	Hospital	HINSDALE, IL	N/A	$93	$25 Medicare OPPS	3.7x	—
Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital	Hospital	NEWBURGH, IN	N/A	$100	$25 Medicare OPPS	3.9x	—
SANFORD MAYVILLE	Hospital	MAYVILLE, ND	F	$108	$25 Medicare OPPS	4.3x	—
SALINE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL	Hospital	BENTON, AR	F	$123	$25 Medicare OPPS	4.9x	—
SANFORD MEDICAL CENTER BISMARCK	Hospital	BISMARCK, ND	F	$144	$25 Medicare OPPS	5.7x	—

What Is a Fair Price for This Procedure?

Medicare pays $25 for Chest X-Ray (CPT 71045). This rate is set by CMS based on the actual cost of delivering the procedure, including physician time, overhead, and equipment. It's the most reliable national benchmark for what the procedure is worth.

A hospital charging $51 (2x Medicare) or less earns an A billing grade — these are the most fairly priced facilities for this procedure. The national average charge is $248 (9.8x Medicare).

If your bill shows more than $76 (3x Medicare) for this procedure, it may be worth reviewing the charges carefully. Upload your bill to check →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chest X-Ray cost so much more at some hospitals than others?

Hospital charges for Chest X-Ray (CPT 71045) vary dramatically—sometimes by 10x or more—because hospitals set their own gross charges independently. Medicare pays $25 for this procedure based on actual delivery costs, but hospitals are not required to match that rate. The national average charge is $248. Using a price transparency tool helps you find a fairly priced facility.

Can I shop around for Chest X-Ray if my doctor ordered it?

Yes. As long as the same CPT code (71045) is billed, the ordering physician does not need to be at the same facility that performs the scan. You can call hospitals and freestanding imaging centers to ask for their cash price or expected out-of-pocket cost before scheduling. Freestanding imaging centers typically charge significantly less than hospital outpatient departments.

What should I do if I received a bill for Chest X-Ray that seems high?

Compare the charge on your bill to the Medicare reference rate of $25. If the hospital billed more than $51 (two times Medicare), you may be able to negotiate. Request an itemized bill, check for duplicate charges, and ask whether a prompt-pay or financial hardship discount applies. You can also upload your bill to BillKarma for a free automated review.

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