CT scan, head (no contrast)
Facility: Lmh
Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70450
- Insurance Median: $105
- Cash Discount Price: $669
- 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 $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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $39 - $105 | 37% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $39 - $1,778 | 37% |
| Medicare (plans) | $39 - $105 | 37% |
| Cigna | $39 - $1,788 | 37% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $46 - $1,732 | 43% |
| Haskell Indian Health Services | $46 - $105 | 43% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $47 - $163 | 44% |
| Allwell | $47 - $107 | 44% |
| Aetna | $1,835 - $2,222 | 1718% |
| Non Contracted | $2,142 | 2005% |
| First Health | $2,490 | 2331% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this CT scan of the head (no contrast) at Lmh in Lawrence, KS, the facility's cash price of $669.00 is significantly lower than the gross charge of $2,677.00 and the Medicare benchmark of $106.81. While the cash rate is higher than the Medicare amount, it remains well below the negotiated rates paid by major insurers like UnitedHealthcare (up to $1,778) and Cigna (up to $1,788). Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find paying the cash price directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which often results in higher allowed amounts due to administrative overhead and contract structures. It is important to note that the facility, owned by the local government, lists a cash median of $669.00, which serves as a strong baseline for self-pay patients compared to the wide range of negotiated rates seen across different payers.
To minimize unexpected costs, patients should proactively ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fee reductions can lower the final bill by 20% to 50%. If you do use insurance, be aware that balance billing is generally prohibited for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities under the No Surprises Act, though unexpected charges can still occur from out-of-network ancillary services like specific lab tests. If you receive a bill that seems incorrect or includes charges for services not rendered, request a formal itemized audit to identify errors such as code unbundling or duplicate billing. Always verify your deductible status before proceeding, as paying the negotiated rate