CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: UPMC St Margaret

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,414
Cash Discount Price: $3,029
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.89x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at UPMC St Margaret is $1,414. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,029. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 7.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 815 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,029

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,414

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: $3,029 (1690%)

Insurance Median: $1,414 (789%)

Cash: $3,029 (1690% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,414 (789% 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 789% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 689%). 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 - $331	82%
UnitedHealthcare	$175	98%
Aetna	$178 - $2,020	99%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$183 - $2,524	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$183 - $271	102%
Amerihealth Caritas	$248	138%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$383 - $2,284	214%
Upmc Work Partners	$823	459%
Cigna	$1,414 - $2,020	789%
Coventry/First Health	$3,534	1972%
Private Health Care Systems	$4,039	2254%
Selectcare	$4,039	2254%
Humana	$4,292	2395%

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 $3,029.
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 St Margaret 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.