CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Columbia Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $65
Cash Discount Price: $733
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.36x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Columbia Memorial Hospital is $65. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $733. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.36x the Medicare baseline. Located in 71 Prospect Avenue, Hudson, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$733

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$65

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: $733 (409%)

Insurance Median: $65 (36%)

Cash: $733 (409% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $65 (36% 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
UnitedHealthcare	$25 - $290	14%
Mvp	$43 - $909	24%
Cdphp	$45 - $974	25%
Medicare (plans)	$46 - $62	26%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$53 - $801	30%
Medicaid / KanCare	$53 - $433	30%
Tricare	$53 - $62	30%
Hamaspik	$58 - $589	32%
Emblem Health Ghi	$59	33%
Fidelis	$59 - $974	33%
Aetna	$64 - $506	36%
Blue Shield Highmark	$66 - $71	37%
Cigna	$82 - $85	46%
Emblem	$254 - $424	142%
Empire Plan Nyship	$303	169%
Blue Shield	$306 - $379	171%
Herrington Diversified Pdh	$316	176%
Magnacare	$339	189%
Mvp Commercial	$461	257%
Multiplan	$2,441	1362%

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 $733.
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 Columbia Memorial 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.