CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sterling Regional Medcenter

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,740
Cash Discount Price: $607
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Sterling Regional Medcenter is $1,740. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $607. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 9.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 615 Fairhurst St, Sterling, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$607

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,740

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: $607 (339%)

Insurance Median: $1,740 (971%)

Cash: $607 (339% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,740 (971% 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 971% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 871%). 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
Clear Spring Health	$179	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$179 - $2,132	100%
Longevity	$184	103%
Humana	$190	106%
Devoted Health Services	$197	110%
Pinnacol Assurance Workers Comp	$281 - $1,093	157%
Aetna	$627 - $2,092	350%
Banner Health	$697	389%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$697 - $1,740	389%
Healthspring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc.	$697	389%
Medica	$697 - $1,873	389%
Medicare (plans)	$697	389%
Assist Health Group	$837	467%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$1,362	760%
Apostrophe, Inc.	$2,024	1129%
First Choice Health Network	$2,024	1129%
First Choice Of The Midwest	$2,137	1193%
Hue Health, Inc	$2,137	1193%
Rocky Mountain Health Plans	$2,137	1193%
Multiplan	$2,182	1218%

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 $607.
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 Sterling Regional Medcenter 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.