CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Carolina East Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,421
Cash Discount Price: $1,464
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Carolina East Medical Center is $1,421. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,464. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 7.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,464

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,421

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: $1,464 (817%)

Insurance Median: $1,421 (793%)

Cash: $1,464 (817% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,421 (793% 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 793% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 693%). 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
Humana	$57 - $168	32%
Inclusive Health (Nchirp)-All Plans	$57 - $168	32%
Tricare	$57 - $3,275	32%
Pamlico Co Jail-All Plans	$427 - $871	238%
Craven Co. Jail Systems - All Plans	$529 - $1,104	295%
UnitedHealthcare	$562 - $2,329	314%
Medcost Ppo Employees And Retirees	$1,054 - $2,150	588%
Medcost Ppo Ultra (Employees)	$1,054 - $2,049	588%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,121 - $2,246	626%
Medcost Ppo City Employees	$1,170 - $2,386	653%
Medcost Ppo County Employee	$1,217 - $2,481	679%
Benefit Mgmt, Svcs-All Plans	$1,365 - $2,784	762%
Medcost Benefit Svc-All Other Plans	$1,419 - $2,894	792%
Aetna	$1,423 - $2,902	794%
Acs Consult Svc Inc-All Plans	$1,451 - $2,958	810%
Medcost Ppo Standard	$1,451 - $2,958	810%
Cigna	$1,461 - $2,980	815%

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 $1,464.
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 Carolina East 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.