CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: West Penn Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $163
Cash Discount Price: $2,356
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at West Penn Hospital is $163. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,356. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4800 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,356

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$163

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: $2,356 (1315%)

Insurance Median: $163 (91%)

Cash: $2,356 (1315% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $163 (91% 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.

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
Amerihealth	$62 - $262	35%
Highmark	$70 - $435	39%
Pennsylvania Health And Wellness	$78 - $239	44%
Geisinger	$86 - $254	48%
UnitedHealthcare	$86 - $601	48%
Cigna	$96 - $353	54%
University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center	$110 - $175	61%
Aetna	$120 - $567	67%
Highmark Wholecare	$138 - $219	77%
American Health Plans	$171	95%
Life Pittsburgh	$171	95%
Martin'S Point	$171	95%
Medicare (plans)	$176	98%
Humana	$182	102%
Molina	$187	104%
Medical Mutual	$568	317%

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 $2,356.
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 West Penn 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.