CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Tucson Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $187
Cash Discount Price: $834
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.04x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Tucson Medical Center is $187. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $834. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.04x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5301 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$834

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$187

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: $834 (465%)

Insurance Median: $187 (104%)

Cash: $834 (465% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $187 (104% 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.

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
Arizona Complete	$129 - $235	72%
Banner University Family Care	$129	72%
UnitedHealthcare	$129 - $334	72%
Alignment	$183	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$183 - $374	102%
Humana	$186	104%
Caremore/Carelon/Wellpoint	$187	104%
Devoted	$196	109%
Cigna	$307	171%
Aetna	$807	450%

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 $834.
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 Tucson 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.