CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: UNM Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $173
Cash Discount Price: $1,012
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.97x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at UNM Hospital is $173. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,012. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2211 Lomas Boulevard Ne, Albuquerque, NM.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,012

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$173

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: $1,012 (565%)

Insurance Median: $173 (97%)

Cash: $1,012 (565% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $173 (97% 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.

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
Humana	$156	87%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$170 - $173	95%
Aetna	$173	97%
Alamo Navajo School Board	$173	97%
Indian Health Abq	$173	97%
Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation	$173	97%
Pueblo Of Isleta	$173	97%
Pueblo Of Jemez	$173	97%
Pueblo Of Sandia	$173	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$173 - $1,257	97%
Devoted Health	$207	116%
Christus	$259	145%
Albuquerque Public Schools	$346	193%
Presbyterian Network	$346	193%
Christus Health Exchange Plan	$389	217%
Imperial Health Exchange	$423	236%
Molina	$423	236%

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 $1,012.
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 UNM 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.