CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Down East Community Hospital

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $559
Cash Discount Price: $830
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Down East Community Hospital is $559. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $830. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 5.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 11 Hospital Drive, Machias, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$830

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$559

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: $830 (777%)

Insurance Median: $559 (523%)

Cash: $830 (777% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $559 (523% 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 523% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 423%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$134 - $1,539	125%
Humana	$134 - $839	125%
Wellcare	$134 - $839	125%
Partners Direct Health	$153 - $954	143%
Community Health Options	$253 - $1,579	237%
Aetna	$255 - $1,592	239%
UnitedHealthcare	$262 - $1,640	245%
Cigna	$275 - $1,720	257%
Martins Point	$275 - $1,716	257%
Patients Advocates	$275 - $1,716	257%
Harvard Pilgrim	$279 - $1,745	261%

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 $830.
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 Down East Community 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.