CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Nationwide Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $785
Cash Discount Price: $1,557
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Nationwide Children's Hospital is $785. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,557. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 4.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,557

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$785

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: $1,557 (869%)

Insurance Median: $785 (438%)

Cash: $1,557 (869% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $785 (438% 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 438% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 338%). 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	$68 - $1,644	38%
Caresource	$86 - $605	48%
Humana	$137 - $1,644	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$169 - $1,644	94%
Ohio Ppo Connect	$170 - $1,609	95%
Osu	$170 - $1,609	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$187 - $1,626	104%
Tricare	$210	117%
Mmo	$216 - $1,626	121%
Cigna	$225 - $1,626	126%
Front Path Health Coalition	$225 - $1,626	126%
Ohc	$225 - $1,609	126%
Ohg	$225 - $1,557	126%
The Health Plan	$225 - $1,661	126%
Amerihealth	$605	338%
Bchp	$605	338%
Molina	$605	338%
Ahpo	$1,626	907%
Unicare	$1,644	917%
Emerald Health	$1,695	946%
First Health	$1,695	946%
Phcs	$1,695	946%

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 $1,557.
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 Nationwide Children's 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.