CT scan, head (no contrast)
Facility: Providence Medical Center
Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70450
- Insurance Median: $116
- Cash Discount Price: $98
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.09x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $60 | 56% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $98 - $202 | 92% |
| Midland Care Connection | $98 | 92% |
| Aetna | $98 - $251 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $98 | 92% |
| Cigna | $98 | 92% |
| Tricare | $98 | 92% |
| Kansas Superior Select | $103 | 96% |
| Healthy Blue | $103 - $109 | 96% |
| Celtic | $103 - $158 | 96% |
| Comp Alliance - Fka Compresults Worker Compensation | $108 | 101% |
| Oha Networks | $116 | 109% |
| Worker Compensation | $120 | 112% |
| Corizon | $128 | 120% |
| Well Path Prison | $138 | 129% |
| Employer Direct Healthcare | $138 | 129% |
| Centurion | $148 | 139% |
| Naphcare | $153 | 143% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $158 - $255 | 148% |
| First Health | $750 | 702% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head without contrast at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, the facility's cash median rate is $98.00, which is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by most insurance plans. While the facility's cash price is well below the state average for this procedure, patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying out-of-pocket is the most cost-effective option, as many commercial payers negotiate rates that exceed the cash price. For instance, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna have negotiated ranges starting at $98 but extending up to $251, whereas the cash rate remains fixed at $98. To maximize savings, patients should explicitly ask the billing department about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts before scheduling, as these upfront incentives can further reduce the final amount owed.
The facility's negotiated rates vary widely depending on the insurance carrier, with the lowest allowed amount being $60 for Medicaid/KanCare and the highest reaching $750 for First Health. These commercial rates are compared against the Medicare benchmark of $106.81, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of care. While the facility's overall median paid amount is $2,153.00, it is important to note that individual patient costs depend heavily on their specific plan's deductible and copay structure. If a patient receives care from an out-of-network provider or encounters unexpected ancillary services, they may face balance billing for the difference between the provider's full charge and the insurance allowed amount; however, federal protections under the No Surprises Act ban such surprise bills for emergency and non-emergency services at in-network facilities.