CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Albany Medical Center Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $89
Cash Discount Price: $107
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.50x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Albany Medical Center Hospital is $89. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $107. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.50x the Medicare baseline. Located in 43 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 34, Albany, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$107

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$89

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: $107 (60%)

Insurance Median: $89 (50%)

Cash: $107 (60% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $89 (50% 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
Cdphp	$38 - $974	21%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$42 - $974	23%
Medicare (plans)	$42 - $62	23%
Fidelis	$45 - $974	25%
Tricare	$48 - $57	27%
Hamaspik	$53 - $1,017	30%
Medicaid / KanCare	$53	30%
Blue Shield Highmark	$55 - $128	31%
Mvp	$57 - $433	32%
UnitedHealthcare	$57 - $2,337	32%
Aetna	$59 - $521	33%
Nascentia	$62	35%
Emblem Health Ghi	$63 - $125	35%
Cigna	$89 - $108	50%
Empire Plan Nyship	$98 - $2,337	55%
Multiplan	$104 - $2,483	58%
Blue Shield	$122 - $459	68%
Nys Department Of Corrections	$141	79%
Nascentia Health Options	$247	138%
Emblem	$254 - $419	142%
Mvp Commercial	$390	218%
Emblem_Ghi	$419	234%
Mvp Essential Plan	$931	520%
Magnacare	$4,998	2789%

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 $107.
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 Albany Medical Center 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.