CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $1,635
Cash Discount Price: $2,303
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Boston Children's Hospital is $1,635. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,303. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 9.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,303

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,635

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: $2,303 (1285%)

Insurance Median: $1,635 (912%)

Cash: $2,303 (1285% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,635 (912% 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 912% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 812%). 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	$872	487%
Cdphp	$1,128 - $1,958	629%
Harvard Pilgrim	$1,170 - $1,556	653%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,205 - $1,520	672%
United	$1,377 - $1,924	768%
Aetna	$1,382 - $1,931	771%
Mgb/Allways	$1,400 - $1,703	781%
Tufts Public Plan	$1,415 - $1,418	790%
United Ri Nj Ny	$1,451	810%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,456	813%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$1,497	835%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,497 - $1,958	835%
Carelon/Beacon	$1,727	964%
Fallon	$1,757 - $1,775	980%
Health New England	$1,861	1039%
Cigna	$1,958 - $2,078	1093%
Ets/Lifetrac	$1,958	1093%
Interlink Transplant	$1,958	1093%
Community Health Options	$2,073	1157%
Humana	$2,073	1157%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$2,119	1182%
Multiplan/Phcs	$2,119 - $2,188	1182%

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 $2,303.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

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 70460.
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.