CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $176
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center is $176. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 0.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1910 South Ave, La Crosse, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$176

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%)

Insurance Median: $176 (98%)

Ins. Median: $176 (98% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$82 - $2,781	46%
Group Health Eau Claire	$138	77%
Group Health Of South Central	$138	77%
Icare	$138 - $176	77%
Iowa Total Care	$138	77%
Managed Health Service	$138	77%
UnitedHealthcare	$138 - $176	77%
Health Partners	$175	98%
Ucare	$175 - $185	98%
Aetna	$176	98%
Amerigroup	$176	98%
Medical Associates	$176	98%
Molina Health	$176	98%
Alliance	$2,804 - $3,091	1565%

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 $X.
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 Gundersen Lutheran 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.