CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: UPMC McKeesport Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,990
Cash Discount Price: $3,154
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at UPMC McKeesport Hospital is $1,990. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,154. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1500 Fifth Avenue, Mc Keesport, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,154

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,990

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: $3,154 (1760%)

Insurance Median: $1,990 (1110%)

Cash: $3,154 (1760% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,990 (1110% 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 1110% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1010%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$157 - $1,191	88%
UnitedHealthcare	$175	98%
Aetna	$178 - $2,103	99%
Amerihealth Caritas	$183 - $248	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$183 - $236	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$183 - $271	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$383 - $1,934	214%
Upmc Work Partners	$823	459%
Cigna	$2,024 - $3,154	1129%
Intergroup	$2,628	1467%
Coventry/First Health	$3,680	2054%
Private Health Care Systems	$4,206	2347%
Selectcare	$4,206	2347%
Humana	$4,468	2493%

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 $3,154.
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 UPMC McKeesport 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.