CT scan, abdomen and pelvis (with contrast)
Facility: Stevens County Hospital
Billing Code: 74177 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 74177
- Insurance Median: $750
- Cash Discount Price: $862
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.10x 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 210% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 110%). 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 | $319 | 89% |
| Aetna | $329 - $862 | 92% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $456 - $480 | 128% |
| First Health - All Plans | $776 | 218% |
| Wppa - All Plans | $819 | 230% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $862 | 242% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast at Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton, Kansas, the cash price is $862.00, which matches the facility's gross chargemaster rate. This cash rate is significantly higher than the state average for this procedure, which is $356.43 (the Medicare benchmark). While commercial insurance plans like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield have negotiated rates ranging from $319 to $862, these amounts often exceed the cash price due to administrative costs and contract structures. Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find paying the cash price directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, especially if their deductible has not yet been met. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly to confirm if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50%.
If you choose to use insurance, be aware that the facility may engage in balance billing if services are rendered by out-of-network providers, such as certain lab services or emergency physicians, even at an in-network hospital. Although the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to verify that all components of your care are covered under your plan's network. Furthermore, patients should never accept a summary bill as the final invoice; instead, request a full itemized audit to identify errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain inaccuracies. Disputing these errors in writing with the billing supervisor is the most effective way to reduce