CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Saint Joseph Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,439
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Saint Joseph Hospital is $1,439. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 8.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1375 E 19Th Ave, Denver, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,439

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%)

Insurance Median: $1,439 (803%)

Ins. Median: $1,439 (803% 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 803% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 703%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$177 - $1,981	99%
Select Health	$179	100%
Aetna	$401 - $3,063	224%
Geha	$437 - $1,981	244%
Preferred One	$437 - $1,363	244%
Denv Hlth Med Plan	$465	259%
Kaiser Perm Hmo	$632 - $1,439	353%
Kaiser Self Funded	$786 - $1,439	439%
Kaiser Perm Ppo/Pos	$797 - $1,483	445%
Allegiance	$854	477%
Cigna	$854 - $3,415	477%
Kaiser Mrp	$854	477%
Kaiser Snp	$854	477%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$886 - $2,780	494%
Humana	$1,434	800%
Cofinity	$2,461	1373%
First Health Network	$2,461	1373%
Private Hlthcare Sys	$2,561	1429%
Multiplan Inc	$2,869	1601%
Midlands Choice	$3,313	1849%

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 $X.
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 Saint Joseph 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.