CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Lake Charles Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $452
Cash Discount Price: $1,729
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is $452. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,729. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 2.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1701 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,729

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$452

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: $1,729 (965%)

Insurance Median: $452 (252%)

Cash: $1,729 (965% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $452 (252% 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 252% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 152%). 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	$164 - $580	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$164	92%
Champus_Va	$164	92%
Cigna	$164 - $2,161	92%
Medicare (plans)	$164	92%
Tricare	$164	92%
Veterans_Administration	$164	92%
Veterans_Choice-Triwest	$164	92%
Humana	$167 - $574	93%
Coushatta_Tribe_Dept_Of_Health	$295	165%
Vantage_Commercial	$377	210%
Medicaid / KanCare	$452 - $496	252%
Blue_Cross_Blue_Shield_La	$515	287%
Meritain	$1,297	724%
Verity	$1,383	772%
United_Healthcare	$1,709	954%
Ppo_Plus_	$1,729	965%
Phcs	$2,017	1126%
United_Healthcare_Behavorial_Health	$2,017	1126%
Lwcc	$2,204	1230%
First_Health	$2,305	1286%
Workers_Compensation	$2,593	1447%

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 $1,729.
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 Lake Charles Memorial Hospital 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.