CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $647
- Cash Discount Price: $1,254
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.61x 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 361% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 261%). 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% |
| Aetna | $577 - $940 | 322% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $717 | 400% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head at Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc. in Marysville, KS, the cash median price is $1,254.00, which matches the facility's gross charge. This rate is significantly higher than the state average, as indicated by a 3.6x multiplier compared to Medicare's benchmark of $179.20. While commercial insurance plans like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare negotiate rates ranging from $577 to $940, these amounts often exceed the cash price. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash median of $1,254.00 upfront may be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, which could result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the deductible has not yet been met or if the negotiated rate is inflated by administrative processing fees.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, it is crucial to request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as summary bills can obscure individual charges and potential errors. If you choose to pay directly, ask the facility about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total by 20% to 50% if settled within 30 days. Additionally, verify that your insurance plan is truly in-network, as some providers may charge significantly more than others even within the same network tier. Always compare the facility's negotiated rates against the Medicare benchmark to understand the true cost basis, and never assume that an in-network status guarantees the lowest possible price without verifying the specific allowed amount for your plan.