CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Ashland Health Center
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $707
- Cash Discount Price: $566
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.95x 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 395% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 295%). 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 | $237 | 132% |
| Compalliance-All Plans | $566 | 316% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas-All Plans | $601 | 335% |
| Multiplan-All Plans | $693 | 387% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $707 | 395% |
| Health Choice-All Plans | $707 | 395% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $707 | 395% |
| Medicare (plans) | $707 | 395% |
| Aetna | $707 | 395% |
| Healthy Blue Mcr Adv - All Other Plans | $707 | 395% |
| Medica Mcare - All Plans | $707 | 395% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $1,060 | 592% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70460, representing a CT scan of the head with contrast at Ashland Health Center in Ashland, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $566.00, which is lower than the negotiated rates of $707.00 paid by most insurance plans. While the facility's negotiated rates align with the state average for this service, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash price directly more cost-effective, as the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash amount. It is important to note that while the facility is a Critical Access Hospital, patients should verify their specific plan details and ask about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront incentives can further reduce out-of-pocket costs.
The data indicates that Medicare reimburses this procedure at $179.20, which serves as a benchmark for the true cost of care. Commercial negotiated rates for this service average 3.9 times the Medicare amount, reflecting the administrative overhead and contract dynamics that inflate prices above the federal baseline. Consumers should be aware that balance billing is generally prohibited for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities under the No Surprises Act, though unexpected charges can still occur if ancillary services like lab work are provided by out-of-network providers. To avoid errors or double-charging, patients should request a full itemized bill that lists specific CPT codes rather than accepting a summary invoice, as over 80% of hospital bills contain discrepancies that can be resolved through a formal audit.