CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Poudre Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $689
Cash Discount Price: $2,283
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Poudre Valley Hospital is $689. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,283. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 3.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1024 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,283

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$689

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: $2,283 (1274%)

Insurance Median: $689 (384%)

Cash: $2,283 (1274% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $689 (384% 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 384% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 284%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$51 - $2,027	28%
Aetna	$179 - $2,698	100%
Cigna	$179 - $890	100%
Cms	$179	100%
Devoted Health	$179	100%
Humana	$179	100%
Kaiser	$179	100%
Select Health	$179 - $1,389	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$179 - $889	100%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$307 - $2,577	171%
First Health	$1,925	1074%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$2,544	1420%
Midlands Choice	$2,936	1638%
Rocky Mountain Health Plans	$2,936	1638%
Multiplan	$2,968	1656%
Phcs	$2,968	1656%
First Choice Of The Midwest	$3,164	1766%

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 $2,283.
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 Poudre Valley 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.