CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Dch Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $591
Cash Discount Price: $1,273
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Dch Regional Medical Center is $591. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,273. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 3.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 809 University Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,273

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$591

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: $1,273 (710%)

Insurance Median: $591 (330%)

Cash: $1,273 (710% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $591 (330% 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 330% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 230%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$153	85%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$175	98%
Humana	$175 - $1,528	98%
Medicare (plans)	$175	98%
Simpra	$175	98%
UnitedHealthcare	$175 - $2,546	98%
Viva	$175 - $1,528	98%
Aetna	$178 - $1,400	99%
Seven Corners	$297	166%
Cigna	$591	330%
Choicecare	$1,018	568%
Al. Dept Of Mental Health	$1,273	710%
Healthnet	$1,400	781%
Workers Comp	$2,164	1208%
Healthspring	$2,546	1421%

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 $1,273.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70470.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Dch Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70470.
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.