CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Methodist Jennie Edmundson

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $444
Cash Discount Price: $543
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Methodist Jennie Edmundson is $444. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $543. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 4.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 933 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$543

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$444

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $543 (508%)

Insurance Median: $444 (416%)

Cash: $543 (508% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $444 (416% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 416% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 316%). 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
Medicare (plans)	$99 - $904	93%
Aetna	$105 - $1,085	98%
Humana	$105	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$107 - $1,176	100%
Medica	$107 - $951	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$107 - $1,085	100%
Elite Choice - Mje	$189 - $218	177%
Ambetter / Centene	$206 - $221	193%
Midlands Choice	$254 - $1,266	238%
Wellmark	$692 - $761	648%
Ne Furniture Mart	$832 - $1,085	779%
Medica Choice	$904 - $1,119	846%

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 $543.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Methodist Jennie Edmundson is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.