Price Checker / CPT 73040
How much does Contrast X-ray Of Shoulder cost?
CPT 73040 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is roughly 9x the fair price. This is well above fair — push back or dispute it.
Fair price
$200–$400
What this should cost
With insurance
~$1,550
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$500
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $2,690 is $2,390 over the fair price (about 9x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Contrast X-ray Of Shoulder
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHHS Fulton Square Clinic , WI | $3,033 | $2,214 | 2153% |
| Screven Hospital , GA | $2,346 | — | 538% |
Were you billed for this procedure?
Send us your bill and we'll compare every line item against Medicare rates and your hospital's published prices. Free review, no obligation.
About Contrast X-ray Of Shoulder
CPT code 73040 refers to contrast x-ray of shoulder (billing description: "Contrast x-ray of shoulder"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $135 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $135 in a doctor's office.
The Medicare rate is the closest thing to an objective "what this work is actually worth." A fair cash price for the uninsured is generally 1.5–3x that rate. Hospital sticker (gross) charges are often far higher — but almost nobody actually pays them.
What to do if you were overcharged
- 1Send us your bill — we'll identify this code and compare it against the rates shown above.
- 2Get a dispute letter — citing the Medicare rate and your hospital's own published pricing data.
- 3We negotiate for you — 25% of savings, no savings = no fee.