CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $1,731
Cash Discount Price: $3,054
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at UPMC Mercy is $1,731. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,054. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 9.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,054

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,731

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: $3,054 (1704%)

Insurance Median: $1,731 (966%)

Cash: $3,054 (1704% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,731 (966% 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 966% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 866%). 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	$141 - $990	79%
UnitedHealthcare	$154	86%
Aetna	$178 - $2,036	99%
Amerihealth Caritas	$183 - $212	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$183 - $199	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$183 - $228	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$311 - $1,769	174%
Upmc Work Partners	$687	383%
Bravo	$1,272	710%
Cigna	$1,731 - $3,054	966%
Coventry/First Health	$2,240	1250%
Intergroup	$2,545 - $4,072	1420%
Private Health Care Systems	$3,818	2131%
American Healthcare Group	$4,072	2272%
National Provider Network	$4,174	2329%
Health Payors Organization	$4,581	2556%
Multiplan	$4,581	2556%

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 $3,054.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70460.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Mercy is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70460.
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.