CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Carolina East Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $1,114
Cash Discount Price: $1,218
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Carolina East Medical Center is $1,114. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,218. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 6.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,218

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,114

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: $1,218 (680%)

Insurance Median: $1,114 (622%)

Cash: $1,218 (680% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,114 (622% 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 622% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 522%). 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
Humana	$50 - $168	28%
Inclusive Health (Nchirp)-All Plans	$50 - $168	28%
Tricare	$50 - $2,800	28%
Pamlico Co Jail-All Plans	$335 - $745	187%
Craven Co. Jail Systems - All Plans	$437 - $944	244%
UnitedHealthcare	$441 - $1,991	246%
Medcost Ppo Employees And Retirees	$827 - $1,838	461%
Medcost Ppo Ultra (Employees)	$827 - $1,752	461%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$879 - $1,921	491%
Medcost Ppo City Employees	$917 - $2,040	512%
Medcost Ppo County Employee	$954 - $2,121	532%
Benefit Mgmt, Svcs-All Plans	$1,070 - $2,380	597%
Medcost Benefit Svc-All Other Plans	$1,113 - $2,475	621%
Aetna	$1,115 - $2,481	622%
Acs Consult Svc Inc-All Plans	$1,137 - $2,529	634%
Medcost Ppo Standard	$1,137 - $2,529	634%
Cigna	$1,146 - $2,548	640%

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 $1,218.
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 Carolina East 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.