CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Grisell Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $837
- Cash Discount Price: $912
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.67x 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 467% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 367%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $430 | 240% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $714 - $960 | 398% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $960 | 536% |
| Humana | $960 | 536% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head at Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $912, which is lower than the negotiated rates paid by most major insurers. While UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiate rates ranging from $714 to $960, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly more cost-effective, as the cash price avoids the administrative markup inherent in insurance billing cycles. It is important to note that Medicaid and Humana negotiate the full gross charge of $960, meaning cash payment could still result in a lower out-of-pocket expense for these payers. To maximize savings, patients should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fee reductions can bypass the standard insurance processing overhead.
This service is benchmarked against federal standards, where the Medicare allowed amount is $179.20, highlighting the significant markup often found in commercial pricing. Although the data does not provide specific Kansas or Ransom county averages for comparison, the facility operates as a Critical Access Hospital with government ownership, which often influences its pricing structure under federal cost reports. Consumers should be aware that while the No Surprises Act protects against balance billing for emergency care at in-network facilities, unexpected ancillary services or out-of-network providers could still trigger additional charges if not carefully reviewed. To ensure accuracy, patients should request a full itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, allowing them to verify that every charge corresponds to a service actually rendered and to identify any potential errors before finalizing payment.