CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $6,600
Cash Discount Price: $10,452
vs. Medicare Baseline: 36.83x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital is $6,600. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10,452. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 36.83x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 S Potomac St, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10,452

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$6,600

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: $10,452 (5833%)

Insurance Median: $6,600 (3683%)

Cash: $10,452 (5833% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $6,600 (3683% 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 3683% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 3583%). 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	$144 - $15,469	80%
Pinnacol Workers Comp	$283	158%
Multiplan	$295 - $18,813	165%
United	$304 - $9,407	170%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$402	224%
Aetna	$1,164 - $1,763	650%
Vail Health	$1,568 - $3,177	875%
Bright Health	$3,094 - $6,271	1727%
Colorado Program For Children With Special Needs	$4,331 - $8,780	2417%
Cigna	$5,156 - $13,378	2877%
Western Plains Community Health	$6,703 - $13,587	3741%
Northcare	$7,219 - $14,633	4028%
Physician Health Partners	$7,219 - $14,633	4028%
Medical Development International	$8,250 - $16,723	4604%
Prime Health	$9,281 - $18,813	5179%

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 $10,452.
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 The Medical Center of Aurora & South 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.