CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $1,144
Cash Discount Price: $1,611
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Boston Children's Hospital is $1,144. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,611. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 10.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,611

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,144

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: $1,611 (1508%)

Insurance Median: $1,144 (1071%)

Cash: $1,611 (1508% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,144 (1071% 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 1071% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 971%). 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
Unicare	$623	583%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$672 - $1,064	629%
Cdphp	$789 - $1,369	739%
Harvard Pilgrim	$819 - $1,089	767%
United	$964 - $1,346	903%
Aetna	$967 - $1,350	905%
Mgb/Allways	$980 - $1,191	918%
Tufts Public Plan	$990 - $992	927%
United Ri Nj Ny	$1,015	950%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,018	953%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$1,047	980%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,047 - $1,369	980%
Carelon/Beacon	$1,208	1131%
Fallon	$1,229 - $1,242	1151%
Health New England	$1,302	1219%
Cigna	$1,369 - $1,454	1282%
Ets/Lifetrac	$1,369	1282%
Interlink Transplant	$1,369	1282%
Community Health Options	$1,450	1358%
Humana	$1,450	1358%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$1,482	1388%
Multiplan/Phcs	$1,482 - $1,530	1388%

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 $1,611.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Boston Children's Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.