CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Penn State Health St. Joseph

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $203
Cash Discount Price: $231
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Penn State Health St. Joseph is $203. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $231. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2500 Bernville Road, Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$231

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$203

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: $231 (129%)

Insurance Median: $203 (113%)

Cash: $231 (129% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $203 (113% 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
[Amerihealth Caritas]	$152 - $178	85%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$152 - $178	85%
[Geisinger]	$161 - $642	90%
[Health Partners Plans]	$166 - $182	93%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$167 - $184	93%
[Highmark]	$177 - $970	99%
UnitedHealthcare	$178 - $603	99%
[Cbc]	$178 - $470	99%
[Ibc]	$178 - $442	99%
Aetna	$180 - $493	100%
Humana	$180	100%
[Healthspring]	$180	100%
[Upmc]	$182 - $658	102%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$223	124%
Cigna	$575	321%
[Preferred Healthcare Systems]	$668	373%
[First Health]	$712	397%
[Multiplan]	$712	397%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$776	433%
[Highmark Aca]	$814	454%

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 $231.
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 Penn State Health St. Joseph 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.