CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $559
- Cash Discount Price: $1,082
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.12x 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 312% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 212%). 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 | $498 - $812 | 278% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $619 | 345% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head with contrast at Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc. in Marysville, Kansas, the cash price is $1,082, which matches the facility's median paid amount. This cash rate is significantly higher than the state average, as indicated by a 3.1x markup compared to Medicare's benchmark rate of $179.20. While commercial insurance plans like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare negotiate rates ranging from $498 to $812, these negotiated amounts often exceed the cash price for patients with high-deductible plans. In such cases, paying cash directly can result in lower out-of-pocket costs, provided you verify the specific "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts available before scheduling your visit.
It is important to understand that insurance negotiated rates do not always represent the lowest possible price, as administrative overhead and contract dynamics can inflate these figures. If you choose to use insurance, be aware that balance billing could occur if you receive care from out-of-network providers, though the No Surprises Act protects you from such surprise bills for emergency services at in-network facilities. Furthermore, hospital bills often contain errors or unbundled charges, meaning a summary invoice may not reflect the true cost. To ensure you are not overcharged, request a full itemized audit of your statement before making any payments, and consider disputing any discrepancies in writing to avoid unnecessary debt.