CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $635
- Cash Discount Price: $1,254
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.54x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 354% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 254%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $350 | 195% |
| Providrs Care | $919 | 513% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the head at Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado, KS, the facility's cash median price is $1,254, which is notably lower than the negotiated rates of $919 charged by in-network insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Providrs Care. While the gross charge listed is $1,929, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash price directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the insurer's negotiated rate exceeds the cash amount. It is important to note that the facility's cash rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $179.20, reflecting the standard markup in commercial healthcare pricing.
This facility operates as a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital in the El Dorado area, and while specific state or county average pricing data was not provided in this report, the cash price of $1,254 represents a substantial discount from the gross charge. Patients should be aware that hospitals often offer prompt-pay discounts for upfront payments, which can further reduce the final bill. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is recommended to explicitly request a self-pay classification and ask about prompt-pay discounts before scheduling your appointment, rather than waiting until after services are rendered. Additionally, if you have insurance, verify your deductible status beforehand, as paying the cash price might be cheaper if your insurance would have required you to meet a high deductible before coverage begins.