CT scan, head (with and without contrast)
Facility: Wamego Health Center
Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70470
- Insurance Median: $105
- Cash Discount Price: $1,248
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.59x 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.
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 | $50 - $153 | 28% |
| Aetna | $52 - $159 | 29% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $52 - $212 | 29% |
| Providrs Care | $81 - $239 | 45% |
| Tricare | $329 | 184% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $631 - $664 | 352% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70470, representing a CT scan of the head with and without contrast, Wamego Health Center in Wamego, KS, lists a cash median price of $1,248.00. This cash rate is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $3,120.00 and is notably cheaper than the negotiated rates paid by major payers like UnitedHealthcare (ranging from $50 to $153) and Aetna (ranging from $52 to $159). While Medicaid/KanCare plans show a wider range of $52 to $212, the cash price remains a substantial discount compared to the facility's full list price. Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find this cash rate advantageous, as paying upfront can avoid the administrative overhead and potential balance billing associated with insurance claims, provided the patient's specific plan does not require a higher allowed amount.
When evaluating the cost relative to government benchmarks, the Medicare amount for this procedure is $179.20, which serves as a critical baseline for understanding the facility's pricing structure. The cash price of $1,248.00 represents a markup of approximately 7 times the Medicare rate, a figure that is lower than the typical commercial negotiated rates which often average 200% to 300% of Medicare. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is essential to ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can further reduce the final amount owed. Additionally, if you have insurance, verify your specific plan's allowed amount