CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Charlevoix Area Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $243
Cash Discount Price: $1,142
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.36x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Charlevoix Area Hospital is $243. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,142. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.36x the Medicare baseline. Located in 14700 Lakeshore Drive, Charlevoix, MI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,142

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$243

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: $1,142 (637%)

Insurance Median: $243 (136%)

Cash: $1,142 (637% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $243 (136% 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
Mclaren Health Plan	$38 - $1,251	21%
Meridian	$38 - $124	21%
Priority Health	$38 - $1,344	21%
UnitedHealthcare	$38 - $1,168	21%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$39 - $1,241	22%
Aetna	$57 - $1,214	32%
Blue Care Network	$57 - $632	32%
Hap (Health Alliance Plan)	$57 - $1,075	32%
Medicare (plans)	$57 - $632	32%
Michigan Amish Medical Board	$57 - $632	32%
Molina	$57 - $682	32%
Northern Michigan Mennonite Group	$57 - $632	32%
Asr Physicians Care Network	$86 - $1,075	48%
Cigna	$90 - $1,344	50%
Nomi Health	$92 - $1,250	51%
Employee Benefits Logistics	$98 - $1,074	55%
Provider Network Of America/Hma Group Health	$246 - $1,142	137%
Hospice Of Michigan	$806	450%
Enterprise Group Planning Employee Benefit Plan	$1,075	600%
First Health/Coventry Health/Community Care Network	$1,075	600%
Medical Cost Savings Solution	$1,075	600%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$1,142	637%
Iba Health And Life Assurance Company	$1,236	690%
Cofinity	$1,250	698%
Preferred Medical Claim Solutions	$1,277	713%

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 $1,142.
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 Charlevoix Area 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.