CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,043
Cash Discount Price: $2,743
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Boston Children's Hospital is $2,043. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,743. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,743

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,043

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: $2,743 (1531%)

Insurance Median: $2,043 (1140%)

Cash: $2,743 (1531% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,043 (1140% 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 1140% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1040%). 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	$1,033	576%
Cdphp	$1,344 - $2,332	750%
Harvard Pilgrim	$1,394 - $1,853	778%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,547 - $1,811	863%
United	$1,641 - $2,292	916%
Aetna	$1,646 - $2,299	919%
Mgb/Allways	$1,668 - $2,028	931%
Tufts Public Plan	$1,685 - $1,689	940%
United Ri Nj Ny	$1,728	964%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,734	968%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$1,783	995%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,783 - $2,332	995%
Carelon/Beacon	$2,057	1148%
Fallon	$2,093 - $2,115	1168%
Health New England	$2,216	1237%
Cigna	$2,332 - $2,475	1301%
Ets/Lifetrac	$2,332	1301%
Interlink Transplant	$2,332	1301%
Community Health Options	$2,469	1378%
Humana	$2,469	1378%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$2,524	1408%
Multiplan/Phcs	$2,524 - $2,606	1408%

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 $2,743.
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 Children's 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.