CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Desert Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $224
Cash Discount Price: $224
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.25x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Desert Valley Hospital is $224. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $224. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 16850 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$224

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$224

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: $224 (125%)

Insurance Median: $224 (125%)

Cash: $224 (125% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $224 (125% 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
Blue Shield Of Promise	$164 - $224	92%
Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group	$164 - $292	92%
High Desert Pace	$164 - $224	92%
Molina	$164 - $224	92%
Traditional Medi-Cal	$164	92%
Vantage Care	$164 - $224	92%
Health Net Of Ca	$175 - $334	98%
Blue Shield Of Ca	$222 - $556	124%
Aetna	$224 - $603	125%
Alignment	$224	125%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$224 - $1,289	125%
Choice Physicians Network	$224	125%
Elite Health Plan	$224	125%
Epic Health Plan	$224	125%
High Desert Primary Care	$224	125%
Inland Empire Foundation For Medical Care	$224	125%
Inland Empire Health Plan	$224 - $281	125%
Medicare (plans)	$224	125%
Renal Payor Solutions	$224	125%
The Geo Group Inc	$224	125%
Tricare	$224	125%
UnitedHealthcare	$224 - $535	125%
Brand New Day	$227 - $337	127%
Imperial Health Plan Of Ca	$238	133%
Wellpath	$269	150%
Prime Health Services Inc	$284	158%
Workers Compensation	$296	165%
Employer Direct Healthcare	$314	175%
Naphcare	$314	175%

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 $224.
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 Desert Valley 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.