CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $1,799
Cash Discount Price: $2,047
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.04x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is $1,799. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,047. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 10.04x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1300 Anne St Nw, Bemidji, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,047

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,799

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$179.2

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $179.2 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,047 (1142%)

Insurance Median: $1,799 (1004%)

Cash: $2,047 (1142% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,799 (1004% of 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 1004% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 904%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

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	$133 - $650	74%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$166	93%
Ucare	$178 - $1,799	99%
Aetna	$180 - $2,098	100%
Health Partners	$180 - $1,791	100%
Medicare (plans)	$180	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$180 - $2,137	100%
Primewest	$183 - $196	102%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,166 - $1,564	651%
Security Health Plan	$1,407	785%
Medica	$2,150 - $2,301	1200%
Cigna	$2,303	1285%
First Choice Health Network	$2,303	1285%
Healthez	$2,303	1285%
Multiplan	$2,303	1285%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $2,047.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70460.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.