CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, sinuses

Facility: Chatuge Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 70486 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70486
Insurance Median: $788
Cash Discount Price: $744
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, sinuses at Chatuge Regional Hospital is $788. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $744. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 7.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 110 S Main Street, Hiawassee, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$744

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$788

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $744 (697%)

Insurance Median: $788 (738%)

Cash: $744 (697% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $788 (738% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 738% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 638%). 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	$328 - $1,115	307%
Aetna	$462 - $1,266	433%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$521 - $1,080	488%
Cigna	$521 - $1,042	488%
Humana	$521	488%
Amerigroup Community Care	$758	710%
Wellcare	$780	730%
Caresource Network Partners, Llc.	$796	745%
Alliant Health Plan	$1,042	976%

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 $744.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70486.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Chatuge Regional Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70486.
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.