CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Highlands Cashiers Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70470
  • Insurance Median: $2,562
  • Cash Discount Price: $5,732
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.30x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Highlands Cashiers Hospital is $2,562. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,732. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 14.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$5,732

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,562

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: $5,732 (3199%)
Insurance Median: $2,562 (1430%)
Cash: $5,732 (3199% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,562 (1430% 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 1430% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1330%). 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
Apex Health $1,146 640%
Cigna $1,880 - $2,545 1049%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $1,950 - $2,063 1088%
United $1,980 - $3,473 1105%
Wellcare $2,009 1121%
Amerihealth $2,028 1132%
Partners Health Management $2,048 1143%
Vaya Health $2,048 1143%
Amerihealth Caritas $2,178 1215%
Caresource $2,522 1407%
Medcost $2,688 - $3,234 1500%
Aetna $2,751 - $4,167 1535%
Magellan $3,439 1919%
Magellan Behavioral Health $3,439 1919%
Multiplan $4,585 2559%
Avalon Administrative Services $4,872 2719%
Prime Health $5,044 - $5,159 2815%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC 28741
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals