CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Blue Ridge Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70470
  • Insurance Median: $2,327
  • Cash Discount Price: $5,732
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.99x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is $2,327. 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 12.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 125 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$5,732

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,327

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: $2,327 (1299%)
Cash: $5,732 (3199% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,327 (1299% 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 1299% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1199%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $917 - $962 512%
United $976 - $2,711 545%
Wellcare $990 552%
Amerihealth $1,000 558%
Partners Health Management $1,010 564%
Vaya Health $1,010 564%
Aetna $1,146 - $4,144 640%
Apex Health $1,146 640%
Cigna $1,949 - $2,344 1088%
Amerihealth Caritas $2,121 1184%
Caresource $2,522 1407%
Medcost $2,671 - $2,967 1491%
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: 125 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals