CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with contrast)

Facility: UPMC Northwest

Billing Code: 70460 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70460
Insurance Median: $912
Cash Discount Price: $1,368
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with contrast) at UPMC Northwest is $912. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,368. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 5.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 Fairfield Drive, Seneca, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,368

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$912

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: $1,368 (763%)

Insurance Median: $912 (509%)

Cash: $1,368 (763% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $912 (509% 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 509% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 409%). 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	$147 - $275	82%
UnitedHealthcare	$154 - $187	86%
Aetna	$161 - $1,482	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$170 - $994	95%
Amerihealth Caritas	$183 - $209	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$183 - $199	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$183 - $228	102%
Upmc Work Partners	$627	350%
Cigna	$912 - $1,482	509%
Intergroup	$1,482 - $3,704	827%
Coventry/First Health	$1,596	891%
Health Coalition Partners	$1,642	916%
Private Health Care Systems	$1,824	1018%
Humana	$1,938	1081%

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 $1,368.
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 Northwest 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.