CT scan, head (no contrast)
Facility: Clay County Medical Center
Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70450
- Insurance Median: $87
- Cash Discount Price: $935
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.81x 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplan- All Plans | $40 - $1,690 | 37% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $51 - $1,690 | 48% |
| Health Partners - All Plans | $75 - $1,690 | 70% |
| Wppa/Providrs Care- All Plans | $85 - $1,654 | 80% |
| Aetna | $85 - $1,654 | 80% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head without contrast at Clay County Medical Center in Clay Center, KS, the cash price is $935.00, which matches the facility's median negotiated rate of $87.00 and the Medicare benchmark of $106.81. While the gross charge listed is $935.00, commercial payers negotiate rates ranging from $40 to $1,690 depending on the insurance plan, with most plans falling between $75 and $1,690. It is important to note that commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract structures; therefore, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying cash directly cheaper than relying on insurance, provided they verify the specific allowed amount with their carrier. Additionally, patients should explicitly ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fee reductions can significantly lower the final cost.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, it is recommended to request a full itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as hospitals may obscure individual charges under broad categories like "Laboratory." If you receive a bill containing errors, double-billing, or services not rendered, you should dispute it in writing to the billing supervisor rather than resolving it verbally. Furthermore, while the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a government-local ownership structure, commercial rates for this procedure can vary widely, with some plans paying up to 1,690 compared to the Medicare baseline. Always compare the facility's negotiated rates against state or county averages to understand the markup, and remember that the No Surprises Act protects you from balance billing for