CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $2,475
Cash Discount Price: $2,475
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $2,475. 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 23.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,475

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,475

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: $2,475 (2317%)

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

Ins. Median: $2,475 (2317% 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 2317% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2217%). 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	$686 - $3,535	642%
Curaechoice [6100]	$827	774%
Imagine Health [6032]	$954	893%
Humana	$1,414 - $1,768	1324%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,591 - $3,535	1490%
Healthlink [125]	$1,768 - $3,535	1655%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$2,050	1919%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$2,298 - $3,005	2151%
Medpartners [6038]	$2,474	2316%
Cigna	$2,828 - $3,535	2648%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$2,828 - $3,535	2648%
First Health Plan [6034]	$3,535	3310%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$3,535	3310%
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 Memorial 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.