CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: University Of Ks Hlth System Great Bend Campus
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $651
- Cash Discount Price: $373
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.63x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 363% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 263%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ku Athletics [503200094] | $164 | 92% |
| Workers Comp [503999901] | $164 | 92% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $164 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $167 | 93% |
| Allwell [503200078] | $169 | 94% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $169 | 94% |
| Tricare | $173 | 97% |
| Triwest [503201703] | $173 | 97% |
| Humana | $173 | 97% |
| Centurion [5032000966] | $213 | 119% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $237 | 132% |
| Occunet [503999930] | $344 | 192% |
| Fort Hays State Student Athletes [5032000960] | $344 | 192% |
| 6 Degrees Health [503999050] | $409 | 228% |
| Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions [503301513] | $518 | 289% |
| Wppa [503200056] | $784 | 438% |
| Alt Wppa [5032000964] | $784 | 438% |
| Meritain Health [503200039] | $784 - $1,120 | 438% |
| Alt Carelon Behavioral Health [503200905] | $934 | 521% |
| Allied National [503999937] | $1,120 | 625% |
| Cigna | $1,120 - $1,494 | 625% |
| Php [503200005] | $1,120 | 625% |
| Aha-Healthcare Preferred [503200050] | $1,120 | 625% |
| Aetna | $1,120 | 625% |
| Alt Meritain Health [503999911] | $1,120 | 625% |
| First Health [5032000110] | $1,120 | 625% |
| National Assn Letter Carriers [503200019] | $1,120 | 625% |
| Correct Care Solutions [50311253] | $1,307 | 729% |
| Usa Managed Care [503999030] | $1,680 | 938% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70470, a CT scan of the head with and without contrast, the University of KS Health System Great Bend Campus lists a gross charge of $1,867.00. While the facility's cash median rate is $373.00, commercial insurance negotiated rates vary significantly, ranging from $164 for some plans to $1,680 for others, with an overall median negotiated amount of $651.00. It is important to note that Medicare, which serves as the objective baseline for pricing, covers this service at $179.20. Because commercial rates often include administrative overhead and contract markups, patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying the cash price of $373.00 is more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which could result in a higher allowed amount if the deductible has not yet been met.
To minimize costs, patients should proactively ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% when paid upfront, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims. Additionally, since the facility is in-network, the No Surprises Act generally protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at this location, though it is advisable to request a detailed, itemized bill to ensure no errors or unbundled charges exist. Given that over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, reviewing the specific line items before payment is a critical step in securing the lowest possible price.