CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Cherokee Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $1,016
Cash Discount Price: $914
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Cherokee Regional Medical Center is $1,016. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $914. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 9.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Sioux Valley Drive, Cherokee, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$914

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,016

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: $914 (856%)

Insurance Median: $1,016 (951%)

Cash: $914 (856% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,016 (951% 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 951% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 851%). 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
Aetna	$538 - $1,016	504%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$538 - $1,016	504%
Health Partners	$538 - $1,016	504%
Humana	$538 - $1,016	504%
UnitedHealthcare	$538 - $1,016	504%
Wellpoint	$538 - $1,016	504%
Molina	$559 - $1,016	523%
Admin Concepts	$1,016	951%
American Republic	$1,016	951%
Apw	$1,016	951%
Auxiant	$1,016	951%
Avera	$1,016	951%
Bankers Life	$1,016	951%
Champus	$1,016	951%
Cigna	$1,016	951%
Iowa Total Care	$1,016	951%
Liability	$1,016	951%
Meridian	$1,016	951%
Meritain	$1,016	951%
Midlands	$1,016	951%
Mutual Of Omaha	$1,016	951%
Occunet	$1,016	951%
Physicians Mutual	$1,016	951%
Private Healthcare	$1,016	951%
Sanford	$1,016	951%
United American	$1,016	951%

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 $914.
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 Cherokee Regional Medical Center 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.