CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Children'S Mercy South
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $118
- Cash Discount Price: $942
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.66x 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.
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 | $46 - $2,529 | 26% |
| Healthy Blue | $49 - $456 | 27% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $50 - $118 | 28% |
| Cigna | $51 - $2,616 | 28% |
| Home State Health | $63 - $401 | 35% |
| Wppa Providrs Care | $69 - $2,447 | 39% |
| Healthlink | $69 - $3,312 | 39% |
| Health Midwest Comprehensive Care | $73 - $2,450 | 41% |
| American Healthcare Alliance | $76 - $3,199 | 42% |
| Quiktrip | $80 - $2,450 | 45% |
| Medica | $93 - $2,194 | 52% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $99 - $2,785 | 55% |
| Multiplan | $99 - $2,861 | 55% |
| Wellfit/Centrus | $100 - $2,447 | 56% |
| Aetna | $102 - $2,560 | 57% |
| Centivo | $103 - $2,447 | 57% |
| Humana | $104 - $2,503 | 58% |
| Orscheln | $105 - $2,447 | 59% |
| Nebraska Furniture Mart | $106 - $2,447 | 59% |
| Mercy Health | $116 - $2,823 | 65% |
| Coxhealth Network | $118 - $2,785 | 66% |
| Coventry Health Care Of Kansas | $129 - $2,785 | 72% |
| National Preferred Provider Network | $140 - $3,388 | 78% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70460, representing a CT scan of the head with contrast, the facility's cash price of $942.00 is significantly lower than the gross charge of $1,962.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with insurance payers range from $46 to $3,388, the cash price often provides a more affordable option for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance, as it bypasses the administrative overhead and multi-layered pricing structures inherent in commercial contracts. It is important to note that while the facility is a voluntary non-profit located in Overland Park, KS, the specific negotiated rates vary widely by payer, with some plans paying as little as $46 and others up to $3,388 for this service.
Patients should be aware that insurance negotiated rates can sometimes exceed the cash price due to the inclusion of administrative costs and contract dynamics, meaning paying out-of-pocket may result in lower out-of-pocket costs. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is recommended to explicitly ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling your appointment, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the total amount owed. Additionally, if you receive a bill from an out-of-network provider or encounter unexpected charges, you have the right to request an itemized billing audit to identify errors or unbundled codes, and you may be protected from balance billing for emergency services under the No Surprises Act.