CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $491
Cash Discount Price: $742
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Duke University Hospital is $491. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $742. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 2.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$742

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$491

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: $742 (414%)

Insurance Median: $491 (274%)

Cash: $742 (414% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $491 (274% 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 274% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 174%). 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
Aetna	$167 - $1,520	93%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$173 - $2,748	97%
Troy Health	$173	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$173 - $1,427	97%
Voans	$173	97%
Cigna	$177 - $2,748	99%
Liberty	$177	99%
Humana	$178 - $2,336	99%
Amerihealth	$442 - $491	247%
Carolina Complete Health	$442 - $491	247%
Trillium	$442 - $491	247%
Alliance Health	$491	274%
Partners	$491	274%
Medcost	$1,195	667%
Sentara	$1,712	955%

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 $742.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Duke University Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70460.
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.