CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Palos Community Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $4,294
Cash Discount Price: $3,757
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.96x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Palos Community Hospital is $4,294. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,757. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 23.96x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12251 South 80Th Avenue, Palos Heights, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,757

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,294

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: $3,757 (2097%)

Insurance Median: $4,294 (2396%)

Cash: $3,757 (2097% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,294 (2396% 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 2396% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2296%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$859 - $5,367	479%
Aetna	$1,154 - $5,367	644%
Carelon Behavioral Health [159]	$2,684	1498%
Healthlink [125]	$2,684 - $5,367	1498%
Magellan Behavioral Hlth [136]	$3,220	1797%
The Alliance [1703]	$3,447	1924%
First Health Plan [6034]	$4,025	2246%
Beechstreet [176]	$4,294	2396%
Cigna	$4,294 - $5,367	2396%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$4,562	2546%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$5,367	2995%
Global Excel [1712]	$5,367	2995%
Health Alliance [181]	$5,367	2995%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$5,367	2995%
UnitedHealthcare	$5,367	2995%

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 $3,757.
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 Palos Community 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.