CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $2,259
Cash Discount Price: $2,475
vs. Medicare Baseline: 21.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $2,259. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,475. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 21.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,475

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,259

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: $2,475 (2317%)

Insurance Median: $2,259 (2115%)

Cash: $2,475 (2317% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,259 (2115% 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 2115% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2015%). 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	$587	550%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$749 - $3,535	701%
Healthlink [125]	$1,768	1655%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$2,259 - $3,182	2115%
The Alliance [1703]	$2,271	2126%
Beechstreet [176]	$2,828	2648%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$2,828 - $3,535	2648%
First Health Plan [6034]	$2,899	2714%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,535	3310%

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 $2,475.
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 Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital 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.