CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Altru Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $199
Cash Discount Price: $1,205
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Altru Hospital is $199. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,205. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1200 S Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,205

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$199

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: $1,205 (672%)

Insurance Median: $199 (111%)

Cash: $1,205 (672% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $199 (111% 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.

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
Medica	$61 - $179	34%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$67 - $323	37%
Aetna	$179 - $323	100%
Sanford Health Plan	$209 - $281	117%
UnitedHealthcare	$316 - $351	176%
Acuity Group	$358	200%

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 $1,205.
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 Altru Hospital 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.