CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $793
Cash Discount Price: $850
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $793. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $850. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 4.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$850

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$793

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: $850 (474%)

Insurance Median: $793 (443%)

Cash: $850 (474% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $793 (443% 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 443% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 343%). 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 - $793	89%
Cooper Green	$160	89%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$160	89%
Triwest	$160	89%
United Mine Workers	$160	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$160 - $902	89%
Cigna	$167 - $819	93%
Humana	$170 - $963	95%
Viva	$185 - $566	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$221	123%
Phcs	$680 - $793	379%
Beech Street	$702 - $793	392%
One Health Plan	$736	411%
Geha	$793	443%
Healthchoice	$793	443%
Alamed	$887	495%
Construction Claims Management	$917	512%
Multiplan	$929	518%
Corvel	$936 - $1,020	522%
Novanet	$946	528%
Department Of Labor	$986	550%
Heritage Summit Health	$986	550%
Pnoa	$1,020	569%
Three Rivers	$1,020	569%

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 $850.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

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 70460.
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.