CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: UPMC Passavant

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $957
Cash Discount Price: $2,953
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at UPMC Passavant is $957. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,953. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 5.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9100 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,953

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$957

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: $2,953 (1648%)

Insurance Median: $957 (534%)

Cash: $2,953 (1648% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $957 (534% 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 534% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 434%). 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	$158 - $331	88%
Health Plan Of Upper Ohio Valley	$170 - $2,274	95%
Aetna	$178 - $187	99%
UnitedHealthcare	$178 - $187	99%
Amerihealth Caritas	$183 - $248	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$183 - $236	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$183 - $271	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$383 - $2,284	214%
Upmc Work Partners	$823	459%
Private Health Care Systems	$957 - $4,577	534%
Cigna	$1,673 - $1,969	934%
Coventry/First Health	$3,445	1922%
Intergroup	$4,085 - $4,430	2280%
Humana	$4,184 - $4,577	2335%
Multiplan	$4,184 - $4,577	2335%

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 $2,953.
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 Passavant 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.