CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, sinuses

Facility: Trident Medical Center

Billing Code: 70486 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70486
Insurance Median: $2,541
Cash Discount Price: $6,498
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.79x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, sinuses at Trident Medical Center is $2,541. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,498. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 23.79x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,498

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,541

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: $6,498 (6084%)

Insurance Median: $2,541 (2379%)

Cash: $6,498 (6084% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,541 (2379% 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 2379% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2279%). 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	$156	146%
Absolute Total Care	$186 - $1,170	174%
United	$245 - $2,924	229%
Blue Choice	$306	286%
Sc State Employees	$365	342%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$488	457%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$488 - $6,173	457%
Nhc Advantage	$1,235	1156%
Pruitt Health	$1,235	1156%
Aetna	$1,959 - $4,523	1834%
Medcost	$2,482 - $3,652	2324%
Employers Health Network	$2,924	2738%
Vocational Rehab	$3,509	3285%
Humana	$4,224 - $4,874	3955%
First Health	$4,744	4442%
Evernorth	$5,198	4867%
Multiplan	$5,523	5171%
Prime Health	$5,523	5171%
Novanet	$5,848	5475%

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 $6,498.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70486.

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 70486.
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.