CT scan, head (no contrast)
Facility: Salina Regional Health Center
Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70450
- Insurance Median: $2,432
- Cash Discount Price: $1,892
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 22.77x 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 $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 2277% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2177%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $479 - $504 | 448% |
| Preferred Phsic | $1,622 | 1519% |
| Preferred Healthcare - All Other Plans | $2,189 | 2049% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Cigna | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Aetna | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Multiplan (Mpi)-All Plans | $2,432 | 2277% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head without contrast at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $1,892, which is lower than the state average of $2,189. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Aetna and Cigna average $2,432, patients with high-deductible plans might find the cash price more advantageous if their insurance allowed amount exceeds this figure. It is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as assuming in-network coverage guarantees the lowest possible price can lead to unexpected costs if the insurer's negotiated rate is higher than the cash rate.
To ensure you are not overcharged, always request a detailed, itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice that obscures individual line items. This audit helps identify errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, which are common in over 80% of hospital bills. Additionally, you should inquire about "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total by 20% to 50% if you settle the bill upfront, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims processing. If you receive a balance bill for out-of-network services, remember that the No Surprises Act protects you from paying the difference for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities.