CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, head (with and without contrast)

Facility: Unitypoint Health - Meriter

Billing Code: 70470 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70470
Insurance Median: $217
Cash Discount Price: $3,325
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, head (with and without contrast) at Unitypoint Health - Meriter is $217. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,325. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $179.2, this hospital’s rate is 1.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 202 S Park St, Madison, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,325

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$217

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: $3,325 (1855%)

Insurance Median: $217 (121%)

Cash: $3,325 (1855% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $217 (121% 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
Aspirus	$56 - $2,494	31%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$56 - $3,949	31%
Illinicare	$56 - $172	31%
Prevea 360	$56 - $3,533	31%
UnitedHealthcare	$56 - $1,717	31%
Humana	$59 - $172	33%
Meridiancare	$59 - $172	33%
Health Partners Open Network	$123 - $1,517	69%
Wellmark Uph Self-Funded	$133 - $2,399	74%
Medical Associates Health Plan	$185 - $1,496	103%
Cigna	$1,247	696%
Security Health Plan	$1,288	719%
Quartz	$1,297	724%
Mercy Care	$1,380	770%

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 $3,325.
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 Unitypoint Health - Meriter 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.