CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Ochsner St Mary

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $173
Cash Discount Price: $272
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.97x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Ochsner St Mary is $173. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $272. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1125 Marguerite Street, Morgan City, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$272

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$173

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: $272 (152%)

Insurance Median: $173 (97%)

Cash: $272 (152% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $173 (97% 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
Tricare	$69 - $173	39%
Aetna	$162 - $1,158	90%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$162	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$162 - $507	90%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$162	90%
Humana	$162 - $172	90%
Medicare (plans)	$162	90%
Ochsner Health Plan	$162	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$162 - $410	90%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$172	96%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$172	96%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$177	99%
Zelis	$244	136%
Verity Commercial And First Choice Network	$733	409%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$788	440%
First Health Network	$910	508%
Healthcomp & Personify Health (Formerly Gilsbar)	$951	531%
Cigna	$1,485	829%

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 $272.
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 Ochsner St Mary 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.