CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Ascension Seton Highland Lakes

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $225
Cash Discount Price: $1,627
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Ascension Seton Highland Lakes is $225. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,627. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in Highway 281 South, Burnet, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,627

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$225

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: $1,627 (908%)

Insurance Median: $225 (126%)

Cash: $1,627 (908% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $225 (126% 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.

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
Champva	$133 - $185	74%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$152 - $815	85%
Dell Star	$152 - $225	85%
UnitedHealthcare	$152 - $225	85%
Wellpoint Star	$152 - $225	85%
Wellpoint Star Plus	$152 - $227	85%
Ambetter / Centene	$180 - $181	100%
Superior Star	$180 - $1,808	100%
Superior Star Plus	$180 - $1,808	100%
Wellpoint Chip/Chip Perinate	$180 - $227	100%
Wellpoint Star Kids	$180 - $227	100%
Dell Chip/Chip Perinate	$181 - $227	101%
Humana	$227	127%
Tricare	$229	128%
Seton Performance Plus	$711	397%
Aetna	$886 - $1,345	494%
Covenant Health	$1,236	690%
Cigna	$1,610	898%
Superior Star Foster	$1,808	1009%
Superior Star Kids	$1,808	1009%
Superior Chip/Chip Perinate	$2,034	1135%

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 $1,627.
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 Ascension Seton Highland Lakes 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.