CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $609
Cash Discount Price: $1,465
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center is $609. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,465. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 3.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in 10905 Providence Road W, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,465

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$609

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: $1,465 (818%)

Insurance Median: $609 (340%)

Cash: $1,465 (818% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $609 (340% 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 340% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 240%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$170 - $1,728	95%
Humana	$170 - $2,109	95%
Pace Of The Southern Piedmont	$170	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$170 - $1,711	95%
Aetna	$175 - $2,343	98%
Cigna	$176 - $1,508	98%
Liberty Health	$179	100%
Nc Department Of Public Safety	$341 - $597	190%
Carolina Complete	$597	333%
Amerihealth	$609	340%
Wellcare	$609	340%
Caresource North Carolina	$967	540%
Atlantic Corporation Dba Atlantic Packaging	$1,347	752%
Amps	$1,611	899%
Plotkin Health	$1,757	980%
Medcost	$2,080 - $2,197	1161%
Primary Physician Care	$2,167	1209%
Multiplan	$2,197	1226%
Phcs	$2,197	1226%
Employers Choice Network	$2,841	1585%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$2,841	1585%

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 $1,465.
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 Novant Health Ballantyne 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.