CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Sanford Medical Center Bismarck

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $2,056
Cash Discount Price: $2,340
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Sanford Medical Center Bismarck is $2,056. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,340. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 N 7Th St, Bismarck, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,340

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,056

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: $2,340 (1306%)

Insurance Median: $2,056 (1147%)

Cash: $2,340 (1306% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,056 (1147% 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 1147% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1047%). 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
Sanford Health Plan	$152	85%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$169	94%
Ucare	$182 - $2,113	102%
Aetna	$183 - $2,475	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$183	102%
Health Partners	$183 - $1,346	102%
Medicare (plans)	$183	102%
UnitedHealthcare	$183 - $2,428	102%
Primewest	$187	104%
Security Health Plan	$1,609	898%
Medica	$1,992 - $2,132	1112%
Cigna	$2,632	1469%
First Choice Health Network	$2,632	1469%
Healthez	$2,632	1469%
Multiplan	$2,632	1469%

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 $2,340.
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 Medical Center Bismarck 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.