CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $946
Cash Discount Price: $2,498
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $946. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,498. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 5.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,498

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$946

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: $2,498 (1394%)

Insurance Median: $946 (528%)

Cash: $2,498 (1394% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $946 (528% 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 528% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 428%). 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	$89 - $892	50%
Aetna	$136 - $2,748	76%
Iowa Total Care	$136 - $1,428	76%
Medical Associates	$136 - $1,784	76%
Molina Healthcare	$136 - $1,428	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$136 - $1,510	76%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$138 - $1,713	77%
Healthpartners	$138 - $3,034	77%
American Health Plan	$142 - $176	79%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$142 - $176	79%
Oscar Health	$225 - $2,248	126%
Great River Health Systems	$250 - $2,498	140%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$268 - $2,677	150%
Sedgwick	$286 - $2,855	160%
Global Excel	$303 - $3,034	169%
Sanford Health Plan	$303 - $3,034	169%
Employee Benefit Systems	$314 - $3,212	175%
Sisco	$314 - $3,141	175%
Healthsmart	$321 - $3,212	179%
Hfn	$328 - $3,283	183%
Multiplan	$328 - $3,283	183%
Aplos Health Plan	$352 - $2,855	196%
Midlands Choice	$821 - $2,320	458%

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 $2,498.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

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 70460.
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.