CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Geisinger-Community Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $876
Cash Discount Price: $2,503
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.89x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Geisinger-Community Medical Center is $876. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,503. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 4.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1822 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,503

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$876

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: $2,503 (1397%)

Insurance Median: $876 (489%)

Cash: $2,503 (1397% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $876 (489% 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 489% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 389%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$159	89%
Geisinger Family Plan	$164	92%
Geisinger Health Plan	$176 - $506	98%
Medicare (plans)	$176	98%
Prison Health Services	$176	98%
Humana	$179	100%
Amerihealth	$183	102%
Aetna	$185 - $2,382	103%
Upmc For You	$187	104%
Health Partners	$191	107%
Upmc Chip	$199	111%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$314 - $876	175%
Ambetter / Centene	$580	324%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,173	655%
Cigna	$1,780	993%
Christian Healthcare Ministries	$2,018	1126%
Healthnet	$2,366	1320%
Universal Managed Care	$2,503 - $2,624	1397%
Intergroup Services	$3,230 - $3,633	1802%
Multiplan	$3,431	1915%

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 $2,503.
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 Geisinger-Community Medical Center 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.