CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Wakemed, Cary Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,020
Cash Discount Price: $1,094
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Wakemed, Cary Hospital is $1,020. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,094. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 5.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1900 Kildare Farm Road, Cary, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,094

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,020

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: $1,094 (610%)

Insurance Median: $1,020 (569%)

Cash: $1,094 (610% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,020 (569% 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 569% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 469%). 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	$172 - $1,958	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$172 - $1,434	96%
Cary - Alignment	$181	101%
Cary - Liberty	$207	116%
Cary - Pruitt	$207	116%
Cary - Wellcare	$207	116%
Ambetter / Centene	$252 - $1,092	141%
Amerihealth	$428	239%
Carolina Complete	$428	239%
Healthy Blue	$428	239%
Wellcare	$428	239%
Cigna	$846 - $1,468	472%
First Health	$1,324 - $2,534	739%
Medcost	$2,073 - $2,159	1157%
Phcs	$2,303	1285%
Multiplan	$2,591	1446%

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 $1,094.
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 Wakemed, Cary 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.