CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Grossmont Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,782
Cash Discount Price: $3,091
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Grossmont Hospital is $2,782. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,091. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 15.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5555 Grossmont Center Drive Box 58, La Mesa, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,091

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,782

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: $3,091 (1725%)

Insurance Median: $2,782 (1552%)

Cash: $3,091 (1725% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,782 (1552% 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 1552% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1452%). 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
Health Net	$577 - $3,297	322%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,154 - $3,173	644%
Allianz Global Assistance	$1,224	683%
Aetna	$1,731 - $2,885	966%
Epic Americas	$1,731	966%
Blue Shield	$2,060 - $4,039	1150%
Cigna	$2,576 - $2,885	1438%
Humana	$2,629	1467%
Community Health Group	$2,782 - $2,802	1552%
Molina	$2,843 - $2,885	1586%
Multiplan	$2,843	1586%
Indian Health Council	$2,885	1610%
Interplan	$2,885	1610%
Managed Health Network	$2,885	1610%
County Medical Services	$3,297	1840%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,379	1886%

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 $3,091.
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 Grossmont Hospital 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.