CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Punxsutawney Area Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $162
Cash Discount Price: $249
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Punxsutawney Area Hospital is $162. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $249. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 81 Hillcrest Drive, Punxsutawney, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$249

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$162

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: $249 (139%)

Insurance Median: $162 (90%)

Cash: $249 (139% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $162 (90% 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
Highmark Wholecare	$34 - $170	19%
UnitedHealthcare	$39 - $442	22%
Tricare	$51 - $166	28%
Aetna	$56 - $530	31%
Amerihealth Caritas	$56 - $180	31%
Highmark	$56 - $2,383	31%
Geisinger Health Plan	$57 - $184	32%
United Mine Workers Of America	$57 - $183	32%
Upmc Health Plan	$57 - $1,051	32%
Cigna	$58 - $656	32%
Ambetter / Centene	$60 - $193	33%
Pa Health And Wellness Commercial	$71 - $366	40%
Geisinger	$80 - $512	45%
Humana	$180	100%
Pa Workers Compensation	$244 - $1,104	136%

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 $249.
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 Punxsutawney Area 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.