CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, abdomen and pelvis (no contrast)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 74176 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 74176
Insurance Median: $2,092
Cash Discount Price: $1,726
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.58x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, abdomen and pelvis (no contrast) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $2,092. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,726. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.58x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,726

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,092

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,726 (708%)

Insurance Median: $2,092 (858%)

Cash: $1,726 (708% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,092 (858% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 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 858% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 758%). 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
Champus	$1,143	469%
Champva	$1,143	469%
Health Partners	$1,143 - $2,157	469%
Iowa Health Advantage	$1,143 - $2,157	469%
Medicare (plans)	$1,143 - $2,157	469%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,143 - $2,157	469%
Wellcare	$1,143 - $2,157	469%
American Postal Workers	$1,726	708%
Avera	$1,833	752%
Cigna	$1,941	796%
Aetna	$2,092 - $2,157	858%
First Administrators	$2,092	858%
Golden Rule	$2,092	858%
Great West	$2,092	858%
Healthscope	$2,092	858%
Medical Associates	$2,092	858%
Meritain	$2,092	858%
Midlands Choice	$2,092	858%
Ambetter / Centene	$2,157	885%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,157	885%
Humana	$2,157	885%
Wellpoint	$2,157	885%

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 $1,726.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 74176.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 74176.
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.