CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Sanford Wheaton Medical Center

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $1,736
Cash Discount Price: $1,663
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.25x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is $1,736. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,663. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 16.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 12Th Street North, Wheaton, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,663

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,736

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,663 (1557%)

Insurance Median: $1,736 (1625%)

Cash: $1,663 (1557% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,736 (1625% of 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1625% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1525%). 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
Ucare	$112 - $1,827	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$470 - $1,431	440%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,048	981%
Aetna	$1,135 - $1,807	1063%
Health Partners	$1,135 - $1,684	1063%
Medicare (plans)	$1,135	1063%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,135 - $1,736	1063%
Security Health Plan	$1,143	1070%
Primewest	$1,157 - $1,258	1083%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,641 - $1,931	1536%
Medica	$1,827 - $1,967	1711%
First Choice Health Network	$1,871	1752%
Healthez	$1,871	1752%
Multiplan	$1,871	1752%

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 $1,663.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.