CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sanford Medical Center Fargo

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70470
  • Insurance Median: $1,712
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,848
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.55x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Sanford Medical Center Fargo is $1,712. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,848. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 9.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 801 Broadway North, Fargo, ND.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,848

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,712

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: $2,848 (1589%)
Insurance Median: $1,712 (955%)
Cash: $2,848 (1589% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,712 (955% 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 955% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 855%). 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 $134 - $324 75%
Sanford Health Plan Align $169 94%
Sanford Health Plan $178 99%
Ucare $182 - $2,502 102%
Aetna $183 - $3,044 102%
Health Partners $183 - $1,460 102%
Medicare (plans) $183 102%
UnitedHealthcare $183 - $3,101 102%
Primewest $187 - $193 104%
Medica $1,602 - $1,712 894%
Security Health Plan $1,958 1093%
Cigna $3,204 1788%
First Choice Health Network $3,204 1788%
Healthez $3,204 1788%
Multiplan $3,204 1788%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 801 Broadway North, Fargo, ND 58122
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals