CT scan, head (no contrast)
Facility: Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70450
- Insurance Median: $524
- Cash Discount Price: $992
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.91x 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 $106.81 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 491% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 391%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $456 - $744 | 427% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $480 | 449% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $568 | 532% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head without contrast at Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc. in Marysville, Kansas, the cash price is $992.00, which matches the facility's median negotiated rate. This cash price is significantly lower than the state average for this procedure, where the median negotiated rate is $524.00, and notably lower than the gross charge of $992.00. While the facility's cash rate is higher than the Medicare benchmark of $106.81, commercial insurance plans typically pay between $456 and $744 depending on the specific carrier and plan. Patients with high-deductible plans may find that paying the cash price upfront is more cost-effective than using insurance, as the insurer's allowed amount often exceeds the cash rate, potentially leaving the patient responsible for a larger out-of-pocket balance after deductibles are met.
To minimize costs, patients should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these facilities often offer fee reductions of 20% to 50% for upfront payment. It is crucial to sign a waiver of insurance submission to ensure the hospital processes the account as a cash payment rather than submitting a claim that could void the discount. Additionally, patients should avoid accepting summary bills and instead demand a full itemized statement to verify that no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included. By comparing the facility's rates directly to the Medicare benchmark and understanding the mechanics of prompt-pay incentives, consumers can make informed decisions that align with their financial situation and avoid unexpected balance billing.