CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Sanford Wheaton Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $2,353
Cash Discount Price: $2,254
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is $2,353. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,254. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 13.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 12Th Street North, Wheaton, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,254

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,353

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: $2,254 (1258%)

Insurance Median: $2,353 (1313%)

Cash: $2,254 (1258% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,353 (1313% 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 1313% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1213%). 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	$187 - $2,476	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$447 - $1,940	249%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,420	792%
Aetna	$1,539 - $2,449	859%
Health Partners	$1,539 - $2,283	859%
Medicare (plans)	$1,539	859%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,539 - $2,353	859%
Security Health Plan	$1,550	865%
Primewest	$1,568 - $1,705	875%
Sanford Health Plan	$2,225 - $2,617	1242%
Medica	$2,477 - $2,666	1382%
First Choice Health Network	$2,536	1415%
Healthez	$2,536	1415%
Multiplan	$2,536	1415%

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 $2,254.
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 Wheaton 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.