CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: Nationwide Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $605
Cash Discount Price: $1,035
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at Nationwide Children's Hospital is $605. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,035. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 5.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,035

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$605

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,035 (969%)

Insurance Median: $605 (566%)

Cash: $1,035 (969% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $605 (566% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 566% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 466%). 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
Aetna	$46 - $1,092	43%
Caresource	$58 - $605	54%
Humana	$92 - $1,092	86%
Ohio Ppo Connect	$114 - $1,070	107%
Osu	$114 - $1,070	107%
UnitedHealthcare	$114 - $1,092	107%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$125 - $1,081	117%
Tricare	$141	132%
Mmo	$145 - $1,081	136%
Cigna	$151 - $1,081	141%
Front Path Health Coalition	$151 - $1,081	141%
Ohc	$151 - $1,070	141%
Ohg	$151 - $1,035	141%
The Health Plan	$151 - $1,104	141%
Amerihealth	$605	566%
Bchp	$605	566%
Molina	$605	566%
Ahpo	$1,081	1012%
Unicare	$1,092	1022%
Emerald Health	$1,127	1055%
First Health	$1,127	1055%
Phcs	$1,127	1055%

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 $1,035.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Nationwide Children's Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.