CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70470
  • Insurance Median: $1,422
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,942
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.94x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is $1,422. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,942. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 7.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,942

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,422

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: $1,942 (1084%)
Insurance Median: $1,422 (794%)
Cash: $1,942 (1084% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,422 (794% 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 794% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 694%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Amerihealth Caritas $53 - $847 30%
Carolina Complete Health $53 - $3,885 30%
Healthy Blue $53 - $863 30%
Partners $53 - $855 30%
Trillium $53 - $907 30%
UnitedHealthcare $53 - $1,973 30%
Vaya $53 - $872 30%
Wellcare $53 - $863 30%
Alliance $54 - $1,014 30%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $56 - $2,250 31%
Cigna $56 - $3,108 31%
Humana $57 - $3,186 32%
Aetna $58 - $2,836 32%
Ortho Carolina $70 - $223 39%
Molina $396 221%
Sandhills $857 478%
Ambetter / Centene $1,129 - $1,834 630%
Medcost $1,204 - $2,292 672%
Employers Health Network $1,717 958%
Physician Reach Out $1,942 1084%
Magellan $2,331 1301%
Gmmi $2,525 1409%
Quik Trip $2,525 1409%
Carolina Behavioral Health $2,797 - $3,108 1561%
Choicecare $2,797 - $2,875 1561%
First Health $3,108 - $3,419 1734%
Healthgram $3,108 1734%
Private Health Care Systems $3,108 - $3,186 1734%
Provider Select $3,147 - $3,496 1756%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care $3,186 1778%
Beechstreet $3,380 - $3,419 1886%
Multiplan $3,496 1951%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals