CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Buchanan County Health Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,883
Cash Discount Price: $2,952
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Buchanan County Health Center is $2,883. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,952. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 16.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1600 First St East, Independence, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,952

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,883

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: $2,952 (1647%)

Insurance Median: $2,883 (1609%)

Cash: $2,952 (1647% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,883 (1609% 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 1609% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1509%). 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
Iowa Total Care	$1,216 - $3,473	679%
Molina Healthcare	$1,216 - $3,473	679%
Wellpoint Iowa	$1,216 - $3,473	679%
Aetna	$1,250 - $3,386	698%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,250 - $3,386	698%
Champus	$1,250 - $3,386	698%
Health Partners	$1,250 - $3,386	698%
Humana	$1,250 - $3,386	698%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,250 - $3,386	698%
Cigna	$2,883	1609%

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 $2,952.
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 Buchanan County Health Center 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.