CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $477
Cash Discount Price: $2,104
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Howard County Medical Center is $477. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,104. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 2.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,104

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$477

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: $2,104 (1174%)

Insurance Median: $477 (266%)

Cash: $2,104 (1174% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $477 (266% 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 266% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 166%). 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
Medica Standard Premier	$50 - $139	28%
Aetna	$52 - $1,999	29%
Medica Elevate	$97 - $272	54%
Midland'S Choice	$102 - $286	57%
Humana	$115	64%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$136 - $1,999	76%
Great Plains	$136 - $1,199	76%
Medica Chi	$136 - $1,199	76%
Tricare	$136 - $1,578	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$136 - $2,020	76%
Nebraska Total Care - Wellcare	$140	78%
Molina Healthcare	$143 - $1,052	80%
Oscar Health	$238	133%
Ambetter / Centene	$271	151%
Beshp	$271	151%
Nebraska Total Care	$1,052	587%
Medica Chi Aco	$1,915	1069%
Medica Choice National	$1,915	1069%
Medica Ifb Aco	$2,020	1127%
Medica Ifb Open Access	$2,020	1127%

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 $2,104.
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 Howard County 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.