CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,868
Cash Discount Price: $2,371
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center is $1,868. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,371. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 10.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,371

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,868

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: $2,371 (1323%)

Insurance Median: $1,868 (1042%)

Cash: $2,371 (1323% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,868 (1042% 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 1042% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 942%). 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
Primewest	$187 - $1,245	104%
Ucare	$187 - $2,604	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$447 - $1,221	249%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,126	628%
Aetna	$1,221 - $2,576	681%
Health Partners	$1,221 - $2,401	681%
Medicare (plans)	$1,221	681%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,221 - $2,475	681%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,588 - $1,868	886%
Security Health Plan	$1,630	910%
Medica	$2,605 - $2,804	1454%
Cigna	$2,668	1489%
First Choice Health Network	$2,668	1489%
Healthez	$2,668	1489%
Multiplan	$2,668	1489%

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 $2,371.
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 Thief River Falls 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.