CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $581
Cash Discount Price: $831
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion is $581. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $831. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 3.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1316 South Main Street, Clarion, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$831

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$581

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: $831 (464%)

Insurance Median: $581 (324%)

Cash: $831 (464% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $581 (324% 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 324% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 224%). 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
Tricare	$56 - $771	31%
Triwest Va - All Plans	$56 - $771	31%
Aetna	$62 - $2,113	35%
Healthscope Stellar-All Plans	$92 - $1,313	51%
Health Partners Ish-All Other Plans	$109 - $1,989	61%
Wellmark Hmo	$115 - $877	64%
Wellmark Ppo - All Other Plans	$130 - $964	73%
UnitedHealthcare	$161 - $2,362	90%
Auxiant Clarion Schools-All Plans	$184 - $1,616	103%
Health Partners Prestage	$212 - $1,864	118%
Cigna	$392 - $2,411	219%
Midlands Choice-All Plans	$392 - $2,411	219%

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 $831.
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 Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion 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.