CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, sinuses

Facility: El Centro Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70486 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70486
Insurance Median: $1,719
Cash Discount Price: $2,443
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, sinuses at El Centro Regional Medical Center is $1,719. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,443. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 16.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1415 Ross Avenue, El Centro, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,443

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,719

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: $2,443 (2287%)

Insurance Median: $1,719 (1609%)

Cash: $2,443 (2287% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,719 (1609% 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 1609% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1509%). 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	$134 - $3,490	125%
Brand New Day Comm - All Other Plans	$134	125%
Brand New Day Mcr	$134	125%
Healthnet Mcr Adv	$134	125%
Molina Mcr Adv	$134	125%
Scp Managed Care - All Plans	$134	125%
Tricare	$134	125%
UnitedHealthcare	$134 - $1,548	125%
Easy Choice Mcr Adv-All Plans	$148	139%
Healthnet Hmo	$168	157%
Cdcr Correctional-All Plans	$174	163%
Blue Shield-All Plans	$462	433%
Aetna	$1,536	1438%
Pacificare-All Plans	$1,890	1769%
Mulitplan Primary - All Other Plans	$2,373	2222%
Cigna	$2,618	2451%
Multiplan Comp	$2,792	2614%
Trident - All Plans	$2,966	2777%
Healthnet Comm-All Other Plans	$3,141	2941%
Humana	$3,246	3039%
Ahccs/Medi-Cal Misc - All Plans	$3,490	3267%
Brand New Day Mcal	$3,490	3267%
Medi-Cal	$3,490	3267%
Molina Exchange - All Other Plans	$3,490	3267%
Ambetter / Centene	$3,595	3366%
Molina Mcal	$3,839	3594%

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 $2,443.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70486.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm El Centro Regional Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70486.
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.