CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Charleston Area Medical Center

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $1,889
Cash Discount Price: $2,294
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.54x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Charleston Area Medical Center is $1,889. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,294. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 10.54x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Morris Street, Charleston, WV.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,294

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,889

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: $2,294 (1280%)

Insurance Median: $1,889 (1054%)

Cash: $2,294 (1280% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,889 (1054% 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 1054% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 954%). 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
Aetna	$72 - $2,466	40%
The Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$72 - $2,441	40%
Unicare Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$72	40%
Triwest Va	$174	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$179 - $2,294	100%
Choicecare Network	$179 - $2,466	100%
Optimum Choice Inc.	$179	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$185 - $2,466	103%
West Virginia Senior Advantage Inc.	$188	105%
Integrated Medical Solutions	$349	195%
Naphcare	$358	200%
Caresource	$448	250%
Tricare	$1,243 - $1,510	694%
City Of Charleston	$1,554 - $1,887	867%
Cigna	$1,927 - $2,340	1075%
Three Rivers Providers Network	$2,010 - $2,441	1122%
Healthsmart	$2,031 - $2,466	1133%
Multiplan	$2,031 - $2,466	1133%

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 $2,294.
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 Charleston Area 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.