CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Shriners Hospitals for Children

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $224
Cash Discount Price: $1,761
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.25x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Shriners Hospitals for Children is $224. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,761. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,761

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$224

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: $1,761 (983%)

Insurance Median: $224 (125%)

Cash: $1,761 (983% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $224 (125% 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
Soonercare	$146	81%
Medicaid / KanCare	$153	85%
UnitedHealthcare	$182	102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$191 - $350	107%
Aetna	$244	136%
Sana Benefits	$247	138%
Ambetter / Centene	$251	140%
Cigna	$306	171%
Healthchoice Of Oklahoma	$445	248%

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 $1,761.
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 Shriners Hospitals for Children 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.