CT scan, abdomen and pelvis (with contrast)
Facility: Rawlins County Health Center
Billing Code: 74177 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 74177
- Insurance Median: $1,196
- Cash Discount Price: $1,169
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.36x 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 $356.43 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 336% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 236%). 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 | $458 | 128% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $1,196 | 336% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast at Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, Kansas, the cash median price is $1,169, which is lower than the negotiated rates of $1,196 for UnitedHealthcare and $458 for Blue Cross Blue Shield. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients should be aware that cash payments can sometimes be more cost-effective than insurance claims, particularly if your plan has a high deductible or if the negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. It is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as commercial rates often include administrative overhead that can inflate the final cost compared to the true cost of care represented by Medicare benchmarks.
This service is priced at $1,375 gross, with a Medicare amount of $356.43, indicating a significant markup relative to federal reimbursement standards. Although the data does not provide specific county or state average comparisons for this procedure, the facility's cash rate remains a key benchmark for consumers to evaluate against their own out-of-pocket maximums. To avoid unexpected balance billing or errors, patients should request a full itemized bill before paying, ensuring that all charges are accurate and that no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included. Additionally, asking about prompt-pay discounts prior to check-in can help secure immediate cash savings, as these incentives are designed to bypass the administrative costs associated with insurance billing cycles.