CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Northwest Texas Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,977
Cash Discount Price: $3,757
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Northwest Texas Hospital is $1,977. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,757. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 11.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 S Coulter St, Amarillo, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,757

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,977

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: $3,757 (2097%)

Insurance Median: $1,977 (1103%)

Cash: $3,757 (2097% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,977 (1103% 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 1103% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1003%). 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
Molina	$48	27%
First_Care_Star	$181	101%
First_Carestar	$181	101%
Superior	$181	101%
Amerigroup	$225	126%
United_Healthcare	$1,075 - $2,550	600%
Aetna	$1,225 - $2,907	684%
Scott_And_White _Healthplan	$1,503 - $3,568	839%
Scott_And_White_Healthplan	$1,503 - $3,568	839%
Cigna	$1,977 - $4,691	1103%
Health_Smart	$3,347 - $7,943	1868%
Multiplan	$4,454 - $10,572	2485%

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 $3,757.
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 Northwest Texas 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.