CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Texas Childrens Hospital

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $2,480
Cash Discount Price: $2,637
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Texas Childrens Hospital is $2,480. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,637. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 13.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,637

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,480

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: $2,637 (1472%)

Insurance Median: $2,480 (1384%)

Cash: $2,637 (1472% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,480 (1384% 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 1384% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1284%). 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
Superior Chip	$175 - $184	98%
Driscoll Children'S Health Plan Mcd	$193	108%
First Care Health Plan	$1,063 - $2,519	593%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,063 - $2,519	593%
Molina Mcd	$1,181	659%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,378 - $2,480	769%
Community Health Choice	$1,389 - $2,519	775%
Community First Health Plan Mcd	$1,574	878%
Cook Children'S Health Plan	$1,574	878%
Cigna	$2,244 - $2,519	1252%
Aetna	$2,519	1406%
Kelseycare	$2,558	1427%
Healthsmart	$2,755	1537%
Evolutions Healthcare	$2,952	1647%
First Health	$3,464 - $3,739	1933%
Multiplan	$3,542	1977%
Galaxy Health Network	$3,739	2086%

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 $2,637.
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 Texas Childrens 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.