CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,076
Cash Discount Price: $2,363
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.58x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is $2,076. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,363. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.58x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1300 Anne St Nw, Bemidji, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,363

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,076

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: $2,363 (1319%)

Insurance Median: $2,076 (1158%)

Cash: $2,363 (1319% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,076 (1158% 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 1158% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1058%). 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	$133 - $650	74%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$166	93%
Ucare	$178 - $2,076	99%
Aetna	$180 - $2,422	100%
Health Partners	$180 - $2,068	100%
Medicare (plans)	$180	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$180 - $2,467	100%
Primewest	$183 - $196	102%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,346 - $1,806	751%
Security Health Plan	$1,625	907%
Medica	$2,481 - $2,656	1384%
Cigna	$2,659	1484%
First Choice Health Network	$2,659	1484%
Healthez	$2,659	1484%
Multiplan	$2,659	1484%

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 $2,363.
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 Sanford Bemidji Medical Center 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.