CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sierra View Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $671
Cash Discount Price: $1,676
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Sierra View Medical Center is $671. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,676. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 3.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 465 W Putnam Ave, Porterville, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,676

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$671

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: $1,676 (935%)

Insurance Median: $671 (374%)

Cash: $1,676 (935% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $671 (374% 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 374% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 274%). 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	$168 - $1,000	94%
Dignity Health	$168 - $271	94%
Lasalle	$168 - $226	94%
Healthnet	$177 - $1,796	99%
Humana	$226	126%
Aetna	$1,557	869%
Kaiser	$1,676	935%
Multiplan	$1,844 - $2,036	1029%
Healthsmart	$2,036	1136%
Blue Shield	$2,136	1192%
Cigna	$2,155	1203%

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 $1,676.
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 Sierra View 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.