CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: The Shriners' Hospital for Children - Boston

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $218
Cash Discount Price: $2,278
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at The Shriners' Hospital for Children - Boston is $218. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,278. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,278

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$218

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: $2,278 (1271%)

Insurance Median: $218 (122%)

Cash: $2,278 (1271% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $218 (122% 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.

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
Ambetter / Centene	$161	90%
Well Sense Health Plan Nh	$161	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$182	102%
Aetna	$185 - $210	103%
Health New England	$210	117%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$225	126%
Sana Benefits	$294	164%
Cigna	$306	171%
Harvard Pilgrim	$329	184%
Providence Health Plan	$389	217%
Tufts Network Health Public Plan	$817	456%

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 $2,278.
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 The Shriners' Hospital for Children - Boston 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.