CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Osborne County Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $952
- Cash Discount Price: $894
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.31x 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 531% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 431%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $800 | 446% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $905 | 505% |
| Wppa | $999 | 557% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $1,031 | 575% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70460, representing a CT scan of the head with contrast at Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne, KS, the facility's cash median price is $894.00, which is lower than the gross charge of $1,052.00. This cash rate is notably higher than the Medicare benchmark of $179.20, reflecting the standard markup for commercial services. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with government local ownership, patients should be aware that insurance negotiated rates vary significantly by payer; for instance, UnitedHealthcare pays $800, while Blue Cross Blue Shield pays $1,031. Because these negotiated amounts often exceed the cash price, patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash rate directly, provided they secure a "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount before scheduling to avoid unexpected costs.
The data indicates that the facility's pricing structure is distinct from typical commercial billing models, as the negotiated rates range from $800 to $1,031 depending on the insurance carrier. It is important to note that while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, patients must still verify their specific plan details to ensure they are not subject to unexpected charges. Given that over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, consumers are encouraged to request a full itemized billing audit before finalizing payment to identify any unbundled codes or services not rendered. By comparing the facility's cash rate against the Medicare benchmark and actively seeking prompt-pay discounts, patients can make informed decisions that align with their financial situation rather than relying