CT scan, sinuses
Facility: Via Christi Hospital Wichita St Teresa, Inc
Billing Code: 70486 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70486
- Insurance Median: $99
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.93x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare (plans) | $98 - $100 | 92% |
| Via Christi Research | $98 | 92% |
| Humana | $98 | 92% |
| Vc Hope | $98 | 92% |
| Va | $98 | 92% |
| Saint Lukes Health Systems | $98 | 92% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $100 | 94% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $100 - $275 | 94% |
| Corizon | $123 | 115% |
| Smarthealth | $138 | 129% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $167 | 156% |
| Aetna | $342 - $372 | 320% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70486 (CT scan, sinuses), the facility's negotiated rates range from $98 to $372, with a median negotiated amount of $99.00. This facility is located in Wichita, KS, and its pricing aligns closely with the state average, as indicated by a Medicare comparison factor of 0.9. While the facility is a voluntary non-profit church-owned hospital, patients should be aware that commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative costs and contract structures. If you have a high-deductible plan, paying cash upfront could potentially result in lower out-of-pocket costs compared to your insurance's negotiated rate, provided you qualify for a self-pay or prompt-pay discount.
It is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network status does not guarantee the lowest possible price. The data shows significant variation among payers, with UnitedHealthcare rates ranging up to $275 and Medicaid/KanCare rates at $167. To avoid unexpected balance billing, ensure you are fully covered by an in-network plan for this service, as federal protections generally prevent surprise bills for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. Finally, always request an itemized bill to review every line item for accuracy, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors that can be corrected through a formal audit dispute.