CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $176
Cash Discount Price: $258
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center is $176. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $258. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2160 State Road, Lancaster, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$258

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$176

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: $258 (144%)

Insurance Median: $176 (98%)

Cash: $258 (144% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $176 (98% 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]	$146 - $172	81%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$146 - $172	81%
[Geisinger]	$155 - $593	86%
[Health Partners Plans]	$160 - $176	89%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$161 - $177	90%
[Highmark]	$170 - $752	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$172 - $468	96%
[Cbc]	$172 - $448	96%
Aetna	$174 - $493	97%
Humana	$174	97%
[Healthspring]	$174	97%
[Upmc]	$176 - $658	98%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$215	120%
Cigna	$575	321%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$602	336%
[Highmark Aca]	$632	353%
[First Health]	$712	397%
[Multiplan]	$712	397%

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 $258.
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 Lancaster 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.