CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Virginia Gay Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,146
Cash Discount Price: $1,336
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Virginia Gay Hospital is $1,146. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,336. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 6.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in 502 North 9Th Avenue, Vinton, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,336

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,146

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: $1,336 (746%)

Insurance Median: $1,146 (640%)

Cash: $1,336 (746% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,146 (640% 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 640% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 540%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$179 - $726	100%
Aetna	$186	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$559 - $806	312%
Va Ccn-All Plans	$609 - $627	340%
Health Alliance Mcr Adv	$642 - $661	358%
Wellmark Hmo	$1,042	581%
Wellmark Ppo-All Other Plans	$1,146	640%
Medical Associates-All Plans	$1,234 - $1,270	689%
Cedar Valley Community Healthcare-All Plans	$1,295 - $1,334	723%
Humana	$1,316 - $1,355	734%
Health Partners-All Plans	$1,398 - $1,440	780%
Healthsmart-All Plans	$1,398 - $1,440	780%
Corvel-All Plans	$1,530 - $1,575	854%
Health Alliance-All Other Plans	$1,563 - $1,609	872%

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 $1,336.
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 Virginia Gay Hospital 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.