CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Amberwell Atchison Association
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $1,355
- Cash Discount Price: $2,650
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.56x 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 756% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 656%). 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 | $456 - $480 | 254% |
| Humana | $581 - $874 | 324% |
| Triwest - All Plans | $874 | 488% |
| Va Ccn - All Plans | $874 | 488% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $874 - $4,755 | 488% |
| Superior Select Mcr Adv - All Plans | $874 | 488% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $1,355 | 756% |
| Cigna | $1,458 | 814% |
| Aetna | $1,458 | 814% |
| Centrus Health Direct - All Plans | $1,988 | 1109% |
| Oscar - All Plans | $1,988 | 1109% |
| Multiplan - All Plans | $2,067 | 1153% |
| Wppa Providrs Care - All Plans | $2,385 | 1331% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For patients paying cash out-of-pocket, the most important thing to know is that the cash median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Amberwell Atchison Association is $2,650. While this facility is a voluntary non-profit Critical Access Hospital in Atchison, KS, and the cash rate matches the gross charge listed, patients should verify if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available before scheduling, as these upfront payments can sometimes bypass insurance administrative fees. It is crucial to note that for many commercial payers, the negotiated rates exceed the cash price; for instance, UnitedHealthcare has a high of $4,755 and Triwest has a high of $874, meaning a self-pay patient might save money by paying directly rather than relying on insurance coverage.
In terms of broader pricing context, the cash median of $2,650 is significantly higher than the median negotiated rate of $1,355 and the median paid rate of $1,406, which are the amounts commercial insurers actually remit to the facility. When compared to the Medicare benchmark, which stands at $179.20, the cash price represents a substantial markup, while the negotiated rates remain well above the federal baseline. Patients should be aware that despite the No Surprises Act protecting against out-of-network balance billing at in-network facilities, it is still vital to request an itemized bill to ensure no unbundled codes or services not rendered have inflated the final invoice. Always confirm your specific deductible status and plan details with the hospital before booking, as some high-deductible plans may result in higher out-of-pocket costs than the direct cash