CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (no contrast)

Facility: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Billing Code: 70450 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70450
Insurance Median: $2,274
Cash Discount Price: $2,903
vs. Medicare Baseline: 21.29x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (no contrast) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is $2,274. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,903. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 21.29x the Medicare baseline. Located in One Children's Hospital Drive, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,903

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,274

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,903 (2718%)

Insurance Median: $2,274 (2129%)

Cash: $2,903 (2718% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,274 (2129% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 2129% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2029%). 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
Health Plan Of Upper Ohio Valley	$101 - $3,145	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$108 - $2,420	101%
Amerihealth Caritas	$109 - $437	102%
Cigna	$109 - $2,661	102%
Aetna	$112 - $2,661	105%
Upmc Health Plan	$269 - $1,018	252%
UnitedHealthcare	$308 - $2,274	288%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$452	423%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$471	441%
Pa Health & Wellness	$473	443%
Geisinger	$480 - $2,175	449%
Intergroup	$3,145 - $4,113	2944%
Coventry/First Health	$3,871	3624%
Saudi Armed Forces	$3,871	3624%
Health Payors Organization	$4,113	3851%
Multiplan	$4,113	3851%
National Provider Network	$4,355	4077%
Private Health Care Systems	$4,355	4077%

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 $2,903.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70450.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70450.
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.