CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, sinuses

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70486 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70486
Insurance Median: $2,606
Cash Discount Price: $2,606
vs. Medicare Baseline: 24.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, sinuses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $2,606. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,606. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 24.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,606

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,606

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: $2,606 (2440%)

Insurance Median: $2,606 (2440%)

Cash: $2,606 (2440% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,606 (2440% 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 2440% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2340%). 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	$722 - $3,723	676%
Curaechoice [6100]	$871	815%
Imagine Health [6032]	$1,005	941%
Humana	$1,489 - $1,862	1394%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,675 - $3,723	1568%
Healthlink [125]	$1,862 - $3,723	1743%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$2,159	2021%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$2,420 - $3,165	2266%
Medpartners [6038]	$2,606	2440%
Cigna	$2,978 - $3,723	2788%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$2,978 - $3,723	2788%
First Health Plan [6034]	$3,723	3486%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$3,723	3486%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,723	3486%

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 $2,606.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70486.

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 70486.
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.