CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Tj Health Columbia

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $247
Cash Discount Price: $1,749
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Tj Health Columbia is $247. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,749. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 901 Westlake Drive, Columbia, KY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,749

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$247

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: $1,749 (976%)

Insurance Median: $247 (138%)

Cash: $1,749 (976% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $247 (138% 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.

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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$165 - $2,691	92%
Humana	$165 - $246	92%
Signature Advantage - All Plans	$166	93%
Molina Mcr Adv	$168	94%
Devoted Mcr Adv - All Plans	$173	97%
Aetna	$246	137%
Caresource - All Plans	$247	138%
Molina Marketplace - All Other Plans	$247	138%
Molina Mcaid	$253	141%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,076	600%
Center Care Select - All Plans	$1,480	826%
Phcs/Multiplan - All Plans	$2,530	1412%
First Health - All Plans	$2,556	1426%

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 $1,749.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70470.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Tj Health Columbia is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70470.
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.