CT scan of the head with and without contrast (CPT 70470): what Medicare pays
On a hospital bill, CPT 70470 is the code for: Ct scan of head or brain before and after contrast. Here is what Medicare pays for it, what is billed on average, and how to question the line on your bill.
CPT 70470 at a glance
| Medicare average allowed amount | $118.33 |
|---|---|
| Average amount billed to Medicare | $743.83 |
| Billed vs. allowed | 6.3 times |
| Services in the data | 21,418 |
| Setting and year | Office or clinic, national average, 2024 |
What this code is
This is an imaging exam. In an office, Medicare's amount covers taking the images and the doctor reading them.
Why your hospital bill can show more
Medicare pays a national amount for each code. Hospitals set their own list prices, called the chargemaster, so a hospital bill can show a much higher amount for the same code. In a hospital or an emergency room, a separate facility charge is often added. Medicare's amount is not a price the hospital must accept, but it is a fair reference to negotiate.
Common billing problems with CPT 70470
Billed twice on the same day
The same code, on the same day and at the same price, can appear twice. Sometimes it is real (a second sample, the other side, mother and baby). Ask for the time and the reason of each one, and ask them to remove the extra charge if it was done once.
A separate facility charge
In a hospital, the facility usually bills its own line for the room and staff, and the doctor can bill separately. Ask the hospital to list each part.
No code on the line
If your bill shows a total without codes, ask for a fully itemized bill. Without codes, nobody can check the charges.
How to question this charge
- Ask the hospital for a fully itemized bill, with the code, date, quantity and price of every line.
- Compare the line with the Medicare amount above.
- Ask in writing for a fair price, the lowest amount they will accept, and any discount for paying in full or for patients without insurance.
- Ask for the hospital's financial assistance policy.
BillCheck reads a photo of your bill on your phone, compares every line and writes the letter. Check my bill.
Related codes
- CPT 70450: CT scan of the head without contrast
- CPT 70486: CT scan of the face without contrast
- CPT 71045: Chest X-ray, 1 view
- CPT 71046: Chest X-ray, 2 views
- CPT 71250: CT scan of the chest without contrast
- CPT 71260: CT scan of the chest with contrast
Frequently asked questions
How much does CPT 70470 cost?
It depends on where it is done. In 2024, Medicare's average allowed amount for CPT 70470 in an office setting was $118.33, and providers billed Medicare $743.83 on average. Hospitals can bill more. If you have no insurance, ask for the self-pay price before you pay.
Can I be billed twice for CPT 70470 on the same day?
Only if it was really done twice. Ask for the time and the reason of each line. If it was done once, ask them to remove the extra charge.
What is the difference between CPT 70470 and CPT 70450?
CPT 70470 is CT scan of the head with and without contrast. CPT 70450 is CT scan of the head without contrast. Medicare's average allowed amounts were $118.33 and $76.05 in 2024.
How do I question this charge?
Ask for an itemized bill, compare the line with the Medicare amount, then ask in writing for a fair price and for financial assistance. BillCheck writes the letter for you.