CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Trident Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $3,054
Cash Discount Price: $9,109
vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.04x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Trident Medical Center is $3,054. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9,109. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 17.04x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$9,109

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,054

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: $9,109 (5083%)

Insurance Median: $3,054 (1704%)

Cash: $9,109 (5083% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,054 (1704% 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 1704% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1604%). 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
Select Health	$203	113%
Absolute Total Care	$312 - $1,640	174%
United	$402 - $4,099	224%
Blue Choice	$459	256%
Sc State Employees	$597	333%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$789	440%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$789 - $8,654	440%
Nhc Advantage	$1,731	966%
Pruitt Health	$1,731	966%
Aetna	$1,959 - $4,523	1093%
Medcost	$3,480 - $5,119	1942%
Employers Health Network	$4,099	2287%
Vocational Rehab	$4,919	2745%
Humana	$5,921 - $6,832	3304%
First Health	$6,650	3711%
Evernorth	$7,287	4066%
Multiplan	$7,743	4321%
Prime Health	$7,743	4321%
Novanet	$8,198	4575%

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 $9,109.
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 Trident Medical Center 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.