CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $493
Cash Discount Price: $386
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.75x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca is $493. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $386. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 2.75x the Medicare baseline. Located in 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$386

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$493

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: $386 (215%)

Insurance Median: $493 (275%)

Cash: $386 (215% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $493 (275% 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 275% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 175%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Martins Point	$217	121%
Aetna	$219 - $1,482	122%
Excellus	$219 - $1,506	122%
Fidelis	$219	122%
Molina	$219 - $493	122%
Wellcare	$236	132%
Cigna	$1,607	897%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,758	981%
Emblem Health	$1,797	1003%
Independent Health	$1,855	1035%

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 $386.
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 Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca 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.