CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Pratt Regional Medical Center
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $175
- Cash Discount Price: $998
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Health Aid | $128 - $2,010 | 71% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $142 - $2,734 | 79% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $145 - $2,278 | 81% |
| Aetna | $154 - $2,412 | 86% |
| Celtic Insurance Company | $170 | 95% |
| Choicecare | $171 - $2,680 | 95% |
| Healthy Blue | $175 | 98% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70470, representing a CT scan of the head with and without contrast, Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, KS, lists a gross charge of $1,426.00. While the facility offers a cash median price of $998.00, commercial insurance negotiated rates vary significantly by payer, ranging from a low of $128.00 with Christian Health Aid to a high of $2,734.00 with UnitedHealthcare. It is important to note that these negotiated rates often exceed the cash price; for patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash median of $998.00 upfront may be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which could result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the deductible has not been met. Additionally, patients should proactively inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final bill by bypassing administrative claim processing fees.
The facility's pricing structure is evaluated against federal benchmarks, with a Medicare amount of $179.20. Commercial negotiated rates generally sit well above this baseline, reflecting the administrative costs and contract dynamics inherent in insurance billing. While specific county or state average comparisons for this specific procedure are not provided in the current data, the wide variance in payer rates—from $128.00 to $2,734.00—highlights the importance of verifying your specific plan's allowed amount prior to receiving care. To ensure you are not overcharged, consumers should request a detailed, itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, and dispute any discrepancies in writing