CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $2,403
Cash Discount Price: $2,786
vs. Medicare Baseline: 22.50x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $2,403. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,786. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 22.50x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,786

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,403

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: $2,786 (2608%)

Insurance Median: $2,403 (2250%)

Cash: $2,786 (2608% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,403 (2250% 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 2250% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2150%). 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
Kaiser	$235 - $2,786	220%
Cigna	$520 - $2,786	487%
Community Health Group	$520 - $2,600	487%
Aetna	$1,040 - $3,343	974%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,103 - $2,786	1033%
San Diego Pace	$1,779 - $2,600	1666%
Epic Americas	$1,783	1669%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,876 - $2,600	1756%
Humana	$2,228 - $2,600	2086%
Medi-Cal	$2,266	2122%
Molina	$2,266 - $3,343	2122%
Health Net	$2,370 - $3,045	2219%
Indian Health Council	$2,436	2281%
Blue Shield	$2,507	2347%
California Health And Wellness	$2,563	2400%
Interplan	$3,343	3130%

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 $2,786.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.