CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: Columbia Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $58
Cash Discount Price: $532
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.32x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at Columbia Memorial Hospital is $58. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $532. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.32x the Medicare baseline. Located in 71 Prospect Avenue, Hudson, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$532

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$58

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: $532 (297%)

Insurance Median: $58 (32%)

Cash: $532 (297% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $58 (32% 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	$22 - $290	12%
Mvp	$38 - $909	21%
Cdphp	$40 - $974	22%
Medicare (plans)	$41 - $55	23%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$47 - $801	26%
Medicaid / KanCare	$47 - $433	26%
Tricare	$47 - $55	26%
Hamaspik	$51 - $589	28%
Emblem Health Ghi	$52	29%
Fidelis	$52 - $974	29%
Aetna	$57 - $432	32%
Blue Shield Highmark	$59 - $64	33%
Cigna	$73 - $75	41%
Emblem	$217 - $362	121%
Empire Plan Nyship	$252	141%
Magnacare	$289	161%
Blue Shield	$306 - $312	171%
Herrington Diversified Pdh	$316	176%
Mvp Commercial	$386	215%
Multiplan	$1,739	970%

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 $532.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

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 70460.
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.