CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Trident Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $2,946
Cash Discount Price: $8,543
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Trident Medical Center is $2,946. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $8,543. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 16.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$8,543

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,946

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: $8,543 (4767%)

Insurance Median: $2,946 (1644%)

Cash: $8,543 (4767% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,946 (1644% 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 1644% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1544%). 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
Select Health	$170	95%
Absolute Total Care	$312 - $1,538	174%
Blue Choice	$367	205%
United	$367 - $3,844	205%
Sc State Employees	$608	339%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$663	370%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$663 - $8,116	370%
Nhc Advantage	$1,623	906%
Pruitt Health	$1,623	906%
Aetna	$1,959 - $4,523	1093%
Medcost	$3,263 - $4,801	1821%
Employers Health Network	$3,844	2145%
Vocational Rehab	$4,613	2574%
Humana	$5,553 - $6,407	3099%
First Health	$6,236	3480%
Evernorth	$6,834	3814%
Multiplan	$7,262	4052%
Prime Health	$7,262	4052%
Novanet	$7,689	4291%

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 $8,543.
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 Trident 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.