CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Atrium Health Lincoln

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $963
Cash Discount Price: $1,942
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Atrium Health Lincoln is $963. 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 5.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 433 McAlister Rd, Lincolnton, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,942

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$963

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: $963 (537%)

Cash: $1,942 (1084% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $963 (537% 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 537% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 437%). 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
Amerihealth Caritas	$53 - $438	30%
Carolina Complete Health	$53 - $446	30%
Healthy Blue	$53 - $446	30%
Partners	$53 - $451	30%
Trillium	$53 - $460	30%
UnitedHealthcare	$53 - $2,214	30%
Vaya	$53 - $451	30%
Wellcare	$53 - $446	30%
Alliance	$54 - $455	30%
Cigna	$56 - $2,622	31%
Humana	$57 - $170	32%
Aetna	$58 - $3,302	32%
Orthocarolina	$70 - $209	39%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,114 - $1,976	622%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,271 - $1,445	709%
Employers Health Network	$1,717	958%
Medcost	$1,830 - $2,541	1021%
Physician Reach Out	$1,942	1084%
Gmmi	$2,525	1409%
Quik Trip	$2,525	1409%
Choicecare	$3,186	1778%
First Health	$3,302	1843%
Beechstreet	$3,496	1951%
Private Health Care Systems	$3,496	1951%
Multiplan	$3,691	2060%

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 $1,942.
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 Atrium Health Lincoln 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.