CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Grossmont Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $2,334
Cash Discount Price: $2,870
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.02x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Grossmont Hospital is $2,334. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,870. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 13.02x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5555 Grossmont Center Drive Box 58, La Mesa, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,870

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,334

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$179.2

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $179.2 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,870 (1602%)

Insurance Median: $2,334 (1302%)

Cash: $2,870 (1602% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,334 (1302% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $179.2 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1302% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1202%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Health Net	$574 - $2,564	320%
San Diego Pace	$574	320%
UnitedHealthcare	$574 - $2,947	320%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,137 - $2,947	634%
Cigna	$1,137 - $2,870	634%
Managed Health Network	$1,137 - $1,148	634%
Humana	$1,167 - $2,334	651%
Aetna	$1,837 - $2,947	1025%
Blue Shield	$1,837 - $3,444	1025%
Interplan	$2,162	1206%
Medi-Cal	$2,162	1206%
Molina	$2,162 - $3,062	1206%
California Health And Wellness	$2,296	1281%
Community Health Group	$2,507	1399%
Allianz Global Assistance	$2,679	1495%
Medicare (plans)	$2,679	1495%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $2,870.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Grossmont Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70460.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.