CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,125
Cash Discount Price: $3,719
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.86x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Reading Hospital is $2,125. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,719. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.86x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,719

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,125

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: $3,719 (2075%)

Insurance Median: $2,125 (1186%)

Cash: $3,719 (2075% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,125 (1186% 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 1186% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1086%). 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	$110 - $2,870	61%
Geisinger	$120 - $3,364	67%
Keystone First	$120	67%
Pa Health & Wellness	$125	70%
UnitedHealthcare	$125 - $1,313	70%
Amerihealth Caritas	$128	71%
Gateway	$128	71%
Health Partners	$128	71%
Wernersville State Hospital	$130	73%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$181 - $2,138	101%
Aetna	$250 - $3,666	140%
Pma	$2,125	1186%
Lehigh Valley Health Network	$2,391	1334%
Cigna	$3,039	1696%
Berkshire	$3,985	2224%
First Health	$4,091	2283%
Blue Ridge	$5,047	2816%

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 $3,719.
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 Reading 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.