CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Valley Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $1,723
Cash Discount Price: $21,793
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Valley Regional Medical Center is $1,723. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $21,793. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 9.61x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 A Alton Gloor, Brownsville, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$21,793

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,723

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: $21,793 (12161%)

Insurance Median: $1,723 (961%)

Cash: $21,793 (12161% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,723 (961% 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 961% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 861%). 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
Texas Health Network	$173	97%
Usa Mco	$175	98%
Driscoll Childrens Health Plan	$180	100%
United	$184 - $9,807	103%
Molina Healthcare	$193	108%
Aetna	$195 - $2,309	109%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$446 - $9,807	249%
Humana	$1,264	705%
Superior Health Plan	$1,525	851%
Texas Workforce Commission	$5,230	2919%
Averde Health	$7,192	4013%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$9,371 - $18,524	5229%
First Health	$12,531	6993%
National Healthcare Solutions	$13,076	7297%
Southwest Medical	$13,076	7297%
Coastal Comp	$14,165	7905%
Total E&P Mexico	$14,165	7905%
Affiliated Healthcare	$14,819	8270%
Mcm Maxcare	$17,434	9729%
Pronet Ppo	$17,434	9729%
Usa Managed Care	$17,434	9729%
Beech Street	$19,613	10945%

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 $21,793.
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 Valley Regional 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.