CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Boston Medical Center-Brighton

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $401
Cash Discount Price: $417
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Boston Medical Center-Brighton is $401. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $417. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 2.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 736 Cambridge Street, Nevins Building, Brighton, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$417

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$401

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: $417 (233%)

Insurance Median: $401 (224%)

Cash: $417 (233% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $401 (224% 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 224% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 124%). 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	$210 - $401	117%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$210 - $452	117%
Humana	$210	117%
Medicare (plans)	$210 - $221	117%
Neighborhood Pace [1206]	$210	117%
Senior Whole Health [1210]	$210	117%
Ubh Hphc [8016]	$210	117%
United Community Plan [1202]	$210	117%
UnitedHealthcare	$210	117%
Veterans Admin [9003]	$210	117%
Zzzcovid19 Hrsa Uninsured Testing And Treatment Fund [500010]	$210	117%
Cca [1215]	$221	123%
Zzzcca Onecare [1216]	$221	123%
Eternalhealth [1227]	$223	124%
Fallon [8008]	$273	152%
Meritain Health [1023]	$401	224%
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care [8001]	$445	248%
Unicare [8004]	$459	256%
Wellpoint [2034]	$459	256%
Hsn Bad Debt [4003]	$475	265%
Hsn Confidential [4007]	$475	265%
Hsn Dental [4006]	$475	265%
Hsn Partial [4002]	$475	265%
Hsn [4001]	$475	265%
Tufts [8002]	$581 - $660	324%
Cigna	$660 - $1,108	368%
Mass General Brigham Health Plan Commercial [8009]	$702	392%
Mass General Brigham Health Plan Prime [7003]	$702	392%

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 $417.
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 Boston Medical Center-Brighton 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.