CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Ellinwood District Hospital
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $452
- Cash Discount Price: $548
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.52x 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 252% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 152%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | $452 | 252% |
| Aetna | $452 | 252% |
| Cigna | $452 | 252% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $452 | 252% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $452 | 252% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70460, representing a CT scan of the head with contrast, the facility in Ellinwood, Kansas, has a gross charge of $645.00. While the facility's cash median rate is $548.00, which is lower than the gross charge, the negotiated rates for major payers like Humana, Aetna, and Cigna are set at $452.00. This negotiated amount is significantly lower than the cash price, illustrating a common billing dynamic where insurance contracts cap costs below the cash-pay rate. Patients with high-deductible plans should be aware that paying the cash price of $548.00 upfront might result in a lower out-of-pocket expense if their insurance deductible has not yet been met or if the negotiated rate exceeds their personal cash offer.
This service is provided by a Critical Access Hospital, and the data reflects a single plan for each of the five major payers listed. The facility's location in Ellinwood (ZIP 67526) is within the state of Kansas, though specific county or state average comparisons were not included in the provided dataset. To ensure you are receiving the most favorable rate, it is essential to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling. Additionally, if you are paying out-of-network or if ancillary services are involved, be cautious of balance billing practices; under the No Surprises Act, you may be protected from unexpected bills for emergency care at in-network facilities. Always request an itemized bill to review every line item and ask about prompt-pay discounts if you choose to settle the account directly with the hospital.