CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, chest (no contrast)

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 71250 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 71250
Insurance Median: $2,383
Cash Discount Price: $2,611
vs. Medicare Baseline: 22.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, chest (no contrast) at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $2,383. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,611. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 22.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,611

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,383

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: $2,611 (2445%)

Insurance Median: $2,383 (2231%)

Cash: $2,611 (2445% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,383 (2231% 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 2231% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2131%). 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	$619	580%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$790 - $3,730	740%
Healthlink [125]	$1,865	1746%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$2,383 - $3,357	2231%
The Alliance [1703]	$2,396	2243%
Beechstreet [176]	$2,984	2794%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$2,984 - $3,730	2794%
First Health Plan [6034]	$3,059	2864%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,730	3492%

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 $2,611.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 71250.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 71250.
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.