CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Logan County Hospital
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $1,718
- Cash Discount Price: $625
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.59x 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 959% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 859%). 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 | $480 | 268% |
| Humana | $1,060 | 592% |
| Health Partners - All Plans | $2,375 | 1325% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $2,500 | 1395% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this CT scan of the head at Logan County Hospital in Oakley, Kansas, the facility's negotiated rates for major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana range from $480 to $1,060, while the cash price is significantly lower at $625. This cash rate is notably lower than the facility's median negotiated amount of $1,718, which aligns with the median negotiated rate across the state. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash price of $625 directly, as the insurance negotiated rates often exceed this amount. To secure this lower rate, patients should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fees can bypass the administrative costs associated with insurance billing cycles.
It is important to understand that the $2,500 gross charge listed for this service represents the full list price, not the amount billed to an insured patient. Under federal protections like the No Surprises Act, balance billing for emergency care or non-emergency services at in-network facilities is generally prohibited, meaning patients should not expect to be billed the difference between the gross charge and their insurance payment. If a patient receives a surprise bill, they should dispute it in writing with the insurer rather than paying immediately to avoid potential credit damage. Additionally, patients should request a detailed, itemized bill to ensure no errors, such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, are included, as over 80% of hospital bills contain inaccuracies that can be corrected through a formal audit.