CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: University of Colorado Hospital Authority

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $642
Cash Discount Price: $2,153
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.58x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at University of Colorado Hospital Authority is $642. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,153. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 3.58x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12605 E 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,153

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$642

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: $2,153 (1201%)

Insurance Median: $642 (358%)

Cash: $2,153 (1201% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $642 (358% 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 358% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 258%). 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	$174 - $3,617	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$174 - $1,027	97%
Aetna	$179 - $925	100%
Cigna	$179 - $576	100%
Cms	$179	100%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$179 - $3,260	100%
Devoted Health	$179	100%
Humana	$179	100%
Kaiser	$179 - $3,611	100%
Select Health	$179 - $399	100%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$642 - $676	358%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$2,007 - $3,136	1120%
Kaiser Public Option	$2,401	1340%
Phcs	$3,382	1887%
Multiplan	$3,690	2059%
First Health	$4,305	2402%
Midlands Choice	$4,305	2402%

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 $2,153.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Colorado Hospital Authority is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70460.
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.