CT scan, abdomen and pelvis (with contrast)
Facility: Lincoln County Hospital
Billing Code: 74177 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 74177
- Insurance Median: $480
- Cash Discount Price: $1,216
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.35x 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.
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 | 135% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast at Lincoln County Hospital in Lincoln, KS, the cash price is $1,216, which is lower than the facility's gross charge of $1,352. This cash rate is significantly lower than the negotiated rate of $480 paid by Blue Cross Blue Shield, meaning patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance could save money by paying cash directly. However, because the negotiated rate is already below the cash price, insurance coverage is likely more cost-effective for those with active plans. It is important to note that while the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, patients should still verify their specific plan details and ask the hospital about any "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts that might further reduce the cash amount before scheduling.
The Medicare benchmark for this procedure is $356.43, which serves as a baseline for evaluating the facility's pricing markup. The cash rate of $1,216 represents a substantial increase over the Medicare amount, reflecting the administrative costs and profit margins inherent in commercial billing. If you are concerned about potential balance billing, remember that the No Surprises Act protects you from being billed the difference between the provider's full charge and your insurance allowed amount for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities. To ensure you are not overcharged, always request a full itemized bill before paying, as summary bills often hide unbundled codes or services not rendered, and dispute any discrepancies in writing to avoid unexpected debt.