CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: University Health System, Inc

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $764
Cash Discount Price: $477
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at University Health System, Inc is $764. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $477. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 4.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1924 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$477

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$764

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: $477 (266%)

Insurance Median: $764 (426%)

Cash: $477 (266% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $764 (426% 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 426% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 326%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$52 - $1,336	29%
Cigna	$163 - $1,449	91%
Humana	$163	91%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$167 - $1,222	93%
Aetna	$169 - $1,336	94%
Devoted Health	$169	94%
Wellpoint	$169 - $218	94%
Wellcare-Windsor Medadv	$171	95%
American Health	$172	96%
Medicare (plans)	$172 - $174	96%
Nhc	$172	96%
Fentress County Sheriffs Dept	$764	426%
Multiplan	$1,145	639%
Nx Health	$1,145	639%
Phcs	$1,145	639%
Naphcare	$1,241	693%
Coventry	$1,336	746%
Beechstreet	$1,432	799%
Prime Health	$1,432 - $1,909	799%
Seven Corners	$1,432	799%
Usa	$1,527	852%
Evolutions	$1,718	959%
Galaxy	$1,718	959%
Healthsmart	$1,718	959%

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 $477.
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 University Health System, Inc 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.