| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medicare Allowed Rate What Medicare approves for this service | $26.11 |
| Typical Billed Amount What providers commonly charge | $100 – $400 |
| Potential Markup How much more you might pay vs. Medicare rate | 1432% above Medicare |
What CPT Code 71046 Means
When your doctor orders a chest X-ray, they're typically requesting what's called a "2-view" X-ray, which is billed under CPT code 71046. This means the technician will take pictures of your chest from two different angles - usually from the front and from the side.
Doctors commonly order this test to check for pneumonia, lung infections, heart problems, broken ribs, or other chest-related conditions. It's a quick, painless procedure that provides valuable information about your health. The "2-view" approach gives doctors a more complete picture than a single X-ray would provide.
You might see this code on your medical bill after visiting the emergency room, during a routine physical, or when your doctor is investigating symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough.
What to Expect on Your Bill
When you receive your medical bill for a chest X-ray, you should see CPT code 71046 listed. The typical charge for this procedure ranges from $100 to $400, depending on where you had the X-ray done. Hospital emergency rooms tend to charge more than outpatient imaging centers or your doctor's office.
If you have Medicare, the standard reimbursement rate for this procedure is $26.11, though you may still owe a portion depending on your specific coverage. Private insurance companies negotiate their own rates with healthcare providers, so your actual cost will depend on your insurance plan and whether you've met your deductible.
You might see separate charges on your bill - one for the technical component (taking the X-ray) and another for the professional component (the radiologist reading and interpreting the images). Both services use the same CPT code 71046, but they may be billed by different providers.
How to Verify Your Charges Are Correct
To make sure you're being billed correctly, first confirm that you actually received a 2-view chest X-ray. If you only had one X-ray image taken, you should be billed for CPT code 71045 instead, which costs less. If you had additional views or a more complex chest X-ray, you might see code 71048.
Compare the amount you're being charged to the typical range of $100-$400. If your bill seems unusually high, don't hesitate to call the billing department and ask for an itemized explanation. Sometimes errors occur, such as being charged for the wrong type of X-ray or being billed multiple times for the same service.
If you believe you've been overcharged, contact your healthcare provider's billing department first. They can review your case and make corrections if needed. If you're still not satisfied, you can contact your insurance company or seek help from a patient advocate. Keep all your medical records and bills organized to support your case.