CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Essentia Health Virginia

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,039
Cash Discount Price: $1,389
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.80x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Essentia Health Virginia is $1,039. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,389. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 5.80x the Medicare baseline. Located in 901 9Th Street North, Virginia, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,389

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,039

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: $1,389 (775%)

Insurance Median: $1,039 (580%)

Cash: $1,389 (775% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,039 (580% 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 580% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 480%). 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
Advocare/Security Health	$175	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$175 - $1,880	98%
Freedom Blue Ppo	$175	98%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv	$175	98%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime	$175	98%
Imcare Msho Ref Req	$175	98%
Medica Advantage Solutions	$175	98%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions	$175	98%
Medica Prime Solution Group	$175	98%
Medicare (plans)	$175	98%
Nd Va Administration	$175	98%
Platinum Blue/Vantage Blue	$175	98%
Primewest Msho	$175	98%
Secure Blue Msho	$175	98%
Ubh Cost Plan	$175	98%
Ubh Msho	$175	98%
Ucare Msho	$175	98%
UnitedHealthcare	$175 - $1,947	98%
Primewest	$177	99%
Itasca Med Care	$178	99%
Sanford Healthplan	$315 - $999	176%
Medica Access	$509	284%
Healthpartners Care Pmap	$880	491%
Blue Plus Pmap Pcc Prime	$1,039 - $1,485	580%
Medica	$1,409 - $1,566	786%
Medica Uplan	$1,409	786%
Ucare	$1,456	813%
Healthpartners	$1,579 - $2,000	881%
Wea	$1,593 - $1,703	889%
Medica Choice	$1,613	900%
Security Health	$1,703	950%
America'S Ppo	$1,714	956%
Wps	$1,836 - $1,858	1025%
Aetna	$1,880	1049%
Cigna	$1,993 - $2,000	1112%
Healthpartners Pcc Prime	$1,993 - $2,000	1112%

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 $1,389.
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 Essentia Health Virginia 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.