CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Adventist Health Howard Memorial

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $918
Cash Discount Price: $724
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Adventist Health Howard Memorial is $918. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $724. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 5.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 Marcela Dr, Willits, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$724

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$918

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: $724 (404%)

Insurance Median: $918 (512%)

Cash: $724 (404% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $918 (512% 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 512% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 412%). 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	$33 - $3,902	18%
Blue Shield Mcare	$59 - $918	33%
Medicare (plans)	$59 - $927	33%
Tricare	$59 - $918	33%
UnitedHealthcare	$59 - $3,553	33%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$65 - $2,387	36%
Healthnet - All Plans	$87 - $3,765	49%
Western Growers/Pinnacle - All Plans	$91 - $3,443	51%
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$116 - $2,768	65%
Medi-Cal	$168 - $248	94%
Brms - All Plans	$201 - $3,902	112%
Aetna	$227 - $3,080	127%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,126 - $1,351	628%
Blue Shield Epn	$2,774	1548%
First Health Ppo - All Plans	$3,673	2050%
Ghn Ppo - All Plans	$3,673	2050%

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 $724.
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 Adventist Health Howard Memorial 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.