CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Fairview Bethesda Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $198
Cash Discount Price: $480
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Fairview Bethesda Hospital is $198. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $480. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 45 10Th St W, Saint Paul, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$480

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$198

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: $480 (268%)

Insurance Median: $198 (110%)

Cash: $480 (268% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $198 (110% 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
Health Partners	$41 - $933	23%
Itasca Medical Care	$41 - $177	23%
Primewest	$41 - $177	23%
South Country Health Alliance	$41 - $177	23%
Ucare	$42 - $501	23%
Medica	$44 - $866	25%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$47 - $706	26%
Hennepin Health	$47 - $181	26%
Sanford Health Plan	$56 - $706	31%
Security Health Plan	$56 - $898	31%
UnitedHealthcare	$56 - $686	31%
Wellcare	$56 - $177	31%
America'S Ppo	$624 - $863	348%
First Health	$982	548%
Multiplan	$1,018	568%
Private Healthcare Systems	$1,018	568%
Wisconsin Physician Services	$1,078	602%

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 $480.
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 Fairview Bethesda 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.