CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $2,922
Cash Discount Price: $2,922
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $2,922. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,922. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 16.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,922

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,922

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: $2,922 (1631%)

Insurance Median: $2,922 (1631%)

Cash: $2,922 (1631% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,922 (1631% 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 1631% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1531%). 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	$810 - $4,174	452%
Curaechoice [6100]	$977	545%
Imagine Health [6032]	$1,127	629%
Humana	$1,670 - $2,087	932%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,878 - $4,174	1048%
Healthlink [125]	$2,087 - $4,174	1165%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$2,421	1351%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$2,713 - $3,548	1514%
Medpartners [6038]	$2,922	1631%
Cigna	$3,339 - $4,174	1863%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$3,339 - $4,174	1863%
First Health Plan [6034]	$4,174	2329%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$4,174	2329%
UnitedHealthcare	$4,174	2329%

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 $2,922.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

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 70460.
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.