CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $1,376
Cash Discount Price: $1,474
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.88x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $1,376. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,474. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 12.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,474

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,376

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,474 (1380%)

Insurance Median: $1,376 (1288%)

Cash: $1,474 (1380% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,376 (1288% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 1288% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1188%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$95	89%
Aetna	$96 - $1,376	90%
Cooper Green	$96	90%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$96	90%
Triwest	$96	90%
United Mine Workers	$96	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$96 - $902	90%
Cigna	$99 - $1,421	93%
Humana	$101 - $1,670	95%
Viva	$110 - $982	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$131	123%
Phcs	$1,179 - $1,376	1104%
Beech Street	$1,218 - $1,376	1140%
One Health Plan	$1,277	1196%
Geha	$1,376	1288%
Healthchoice	$1,376	1288%
Alamed	$1,539	1441%
Construction Claims Management	$1,590	1489%
Multiplan	$1,611	1508%
Corvel	$1,624 - $1,768	1520%
Novanet	$1,641	1536%
Department Of Labor	$1,710	1601%
Heritage Summit Health	$1,710	1601%
Pnoa	$1,768	1655%
Three Rivers	$1,768	1655%

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 $1,474.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.