CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,053
Cash Discount Price: $2,200
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.46x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $2,053. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,200. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.46x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,200

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,053

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: $2,200 (1228%)

Insurance Median: $2,053 (1146%)

Cash: $2,200 (1228% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,053 (1146% 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 1146% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1046%). 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	$159	89%
Aetna	$160 - $2,053	89%
Cooper Green	$160	89%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$160	89%
Triwest	$160	89%
United Mine Workers	$160	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$160 - $902	89%
Cigna	$167 - $2,121	93%
Humana	$170 - $2,493	95%
Viva	$185 - $1,466	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$221	123%
Phcs	$1,760 - $2,053	982%
Beech Street	$1,818 - $2,053	1015%
One Health Plan	$1,906	1064%
Geha	$2,053	1146%
Healthchoice	$2,053	1146%
Alamed	$2,297	1282%
Construction Claims Management	$2,373	1324%
Multiplan	$2,405	1342%
Corvel	$2,424 - $2,640	1353%
Novanet	$2,449	1367%
Department Of Labor	$2,552	1424%
Heritage Summit Health	$2,552	1424%
Pnoa	$2,640	1473%
Three Rivers	$2,640	1473%

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 $2,200.
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 Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System 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.