CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $773
Cash Discount Price: $2,018
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $773. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,018. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 7.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,018

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$773

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: $2,018 (1889%)

Insurance Median: $773 (724%)

Cash: $2,018 (1889% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $773 (724% 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 724% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 624%). 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
Immergrun	$68 - $721	64%
Aetna	$98 - $2,220	92%
Iowa Total Care	$98 - $1,153	92%
Medical Associates	$98 - $1,442	92%
Molina Healthcare	$98 - $1,153	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$98 - $1,220	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$100 - $1,384	94%
Healthpartners	$100 - $2,451	94%
American Health Plan	$103 - $105	96%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$103 - $105	96%
Oscar Health	$173 - $1,816	162%
Great River Health Systems	$192 - $2,018	180%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$206 - $2,162	193%
Sedgwick	$219 - $2,306	205%
Global Excel	$233 - $2,451	218%
Sanford Health Plan	$233 - $2,451	218%
Employee Benefit Systems	$241 - $2,595	226%
Sisco	$241 - $2,537	226%
Healthsmart	$247 - $2,595	231%
Aplos Health Plan	$252 - $2,306	236%
Hfn	$252 - $2,652	236%
Multiplan	$252 - $2,652	236%
Midlands Choice	$671 - $1,874	628%

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 $2,018.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.