CT scan, head (with contrast)
Facility: Regional Medical Center
Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70460
- Insurance Median: $870
- Cash Discount Price: $1,612
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.85x 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 485% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 385%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Associates Health Plan - Tri | $870 | 485% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
If you are paying out of pocket, you should know that cash prices are often the lowest possible rate for this procedure, though you may qualify for additional reductions if you pay before discharge. For a CT scan of the head with contrast at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa, the cash median price is $1,612. While commercial insurance plans typically pay negotiated rates of $870, the cash price here is actually higher than the facility's negotiated rate, suggesting that using an in-network plan might result in a lower final cost depending on your deductible status. Because the cash price exceeds the negotiated amount, patients with high deductibles should verify their specific plan's allowed amount to ensure they do not end up paying more than necessary.
The broader pricing context shows that the facility's gross chargemaster rate of $2,016 is significantly higher than both the cash and negotiated rates, highlighting the importance of understanding the difference between list prices and actual charges. This facility operates as a government-owned Critical Access Hospital with a rating of 4, and while the data does not provide specific state or county average comparisons for this procedure, the stark difference between the $2,016 gross charge and the $1,612 cash price illustrates the potential savings available when avoiding balance billing. To secure the best rate, patients should explicitly ask for a self-pay or prompt-pay discount before scheduling, as immediate payment can sometimes bypass administrative fees and reduce the final bill further.