CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Essentia Health

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70460
  • Insurance Median: $420
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,379
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.34x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Essentia Health is $420. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,379. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 2.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3000 32Nd Ave South, Fargo, ND.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,379

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$420

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: $1,379 (770%)
Insurance Median: $420 (234%)
Cash: $1,379 (770% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $420 (234% 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 234% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 134%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Primewest $177 99%
Advocare/Security Health $178 99%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $178 - $983 99%
Freedom Blue Ppo $178 99%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv $178 99%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime $178 99%
Imcare Msho Ref Req $178 99%
Itasca Med Care $178 99%
Medica Advantage Solutions $178 99%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions $178 99%
Medica Prime Solution Group $178 99%
Medicare (plans) $178 99%
Nd Va Administration $178 99%
Platinum Blue/Vantage Blue $178 99%
Primewest Msho $178 99%
Secure Blue Msho $178 99%
Ubh Cost Plan $178 99%
Ubh Msho $178 99%
Ucare Msho $178 99%
UnitedHealthcare $178 - $1,465 99%
Sanford Health Plan $315 - $830 176%
Medica Access $493 275%
Healthpartners Care Pmap $715 399%
Medica $1,018 - $1,132 568%
Medica Uplan $1,018 568%
Medica Choice $1,165 650%
Ucare $1,209 675%
Cigna $1,231 687%
Healthpartners $1,231 687%
Healthpartners Pcc Prime $1,231 687%
Wea $1,323 - $1,415 738%
America'S Ppo $1,424 795%
Wps $1,544 862%
Aetna $1,562 872%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 3000 32Nd Ave South, Fargo, ND 58104
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals