CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $173
- Cash Discount Price: $1,808
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.97x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $82 - $170 | 46% |
| Humana | $82 - $170 | 46% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $82 - $173 | 46% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $84 - $578 | 47% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $152 - $1,874 | 85% |
| Tricare | $170 | 95% |
| Cross Timbers Hospice [20098] | $170 | 95% |
| Pace Of The Ozarks Contracted [320518] | $170 | 95% |
| Elara Caring Aspire Hospice [20433] | $170 | 95% |
| Kindful Hospice Contracted [320434] | $170 | 95% |
| Halo Hcr Inc Hospice [20432] | $170 | 95% |
| Dept Of Veteran Affairs Contracted [320106] | $170 | 95% |
| Halo Hcr Inc Hospice Contracted [320432] | $170 | 95% |
| American Health Advantage Of Ks Mcr Contracted [320508] | $170 | 95% |
| Kindful Hospice [20434] | $170 | 95% |
| Mercy Hospice Okc [20252] | $170 | 95% |
| Medicare (plans) | $170 - $177 | 95% |
| Home State Health Plan Contracted [320187] | $173 | 97% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $173 | 97% |
| Providrs Care Network Contracted [320484] | $329 | 184% |
| Health Choice Contracted [320166] | $490 | 273% |
| Medica Contracted [320239] | $734 | 410% |
| Cigna | $1,070 - $1,097 | 597% |
| United Medical Resources Contracted [320454] | $1,874 | 1046% |
| Edison Health Solutions Contracted [320502] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Aither Health Contracted [320449] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Workers Comp [20426] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| American Healthcare Alliance Contracted [320020] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Healthlink Contracted [320179] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Auxiant Contracted [320462] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Mercy Benefit Admin Contracted [320251] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Yuzu Health Contracted [320521] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Imagine 360 Contracted [320494] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Ebms Contracted [320493] | $2,225 | 1242% |
| Reflect Health Contracted [320492] | $2,225 | 1242% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this CT scan of the head with contrast at Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc, the cash median price of $1,808 is significantly lower than the gross charge of $2,781, offering a substantial discount for patients who pay directly. While the facility's cash rate is higher than the state average of $1,73, it remains well below the maximum gross charge, demonstrating the value of paying out-of-pocket. The Medicare benchmark for this service is $179.20, which serves as a critical baseline; commercial negotiated rates vary widely among payers, ranging from $82 to $2,225, meaning that for some insurance plans, the cash price could be more affordable than the allowed amount.
Patients should verify their specific insurance plan's negotiated rate before scheduling, as some contracts can exceed the cash price by over tenfold, particularly with certain contracted entities like Edison Health Solutions and Aither Health Solutions, which list rates at $2,225. To potentially lower costs further, patients are encouraged to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts directly with the hospital, as immediate payment often qualifies for fee reductions that bypass the administrative overhead of insurance claims. Additionally, if a summary bill is received, consumers should request a full itemized CPT-coded statement to ensure no errors, unbundled charges, or services not rendered are included, as over 80% of hospital bills contain discrepancies that can be resolved through a formal written audit.