CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Adventist Health Howard Memorial

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $752
Cash Discount Price: $612
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.04x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Adventist Health Howard Memorial is $752. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $612. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 7.04x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 Marcela Dr, Willits, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$612

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$752

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: $612 (573%)

Insurance Median: $752 (704%)

Cash: $612 (573% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $752 (704% 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 704% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 604%). 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
Cigna	$22 - $3,333	21%
Blue Shield Mcare	$40 - $784	37%
Medicare (plans)	$40 - $792	37%
Tricare	$40 - $784	37%
UnitedHealthcare	$40 - $3,034	37%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$44 - $2,039	41%
Healthnet - All Plans	$58 - $3,215	54%
Western Growers/Pinnacle - All Plans	$61 - $2,941	57%
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$77 - $1,848	72%
Medi-Cal	$101 - $166	95%
Brms - All Plans	$134 - $3,333	125%
Aetna	$142 - $2,631	133%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$752 - $903	704%
Blue Shield Epn	$1,853	1735%
First Health Ppo - All Plans	$3,137	2937%
Ghn Ppo - All Plans	$3,137	2937%

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 $612.
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 Adventist Health Howard Memorial 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.