Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
TL;DR:
CPT code 70450 is used for a CT scan of the head or brain without contrast.
Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $270 to $1,200, depending on provider type, location, and insurance status.
🩺 What is CPT Code 70450?
- CPT Code: 70450
- Description: Computed tomography (CT) of the head or brain, without use of contrast material.
- Typical Use: Diagnosing head injuries, strokes, severe headaches, unexplained neurological symptoms.
💵 How Much Does CPT Code 70450 Cost?
Scenario |
Typical Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
Cash Pay (Independent Imaging Center) |
$270 – $600 |
Hospital Outpatient |
$750 – $1,200 |
Private Insurance (After Deductible) |
$250 – $450 |
Medicare Approved Amount |
~$225 |
⚠️ Hospital facilities often charge 2-3x more than stand-alone imaging centers for the exact same test.
🏥 Why Is a CT Scan of the Head So Expensive?
- Facility Fees: Hospitals pad the bill with administrative costs.
- Equipment & Overhead: CT machines are expensive to maintain.
- Insurance Rate Games: Different payers negotiate wildly different rates.
If you’re paying out-of-pocket, always ask for cash pay discounts or consider using an independent imaging center.
📊 Real Example: My CPT 70450 Bill
After a mild concussion scare, I had this scan done at an outpatient imaging center.
Here’s what the bill looked like:
Charge Item |
Billed Amount |
|---|---|
CPT 70450 |
$550 |
Facility Fee |
$0 (independent center) |
Insurance Paid |
-$300 |
My Cost |
$250 |
The hospital quoted me $1,050 for the same scan.
That’s a $800 difference just based on location.
🤔 When Will You See CPT 70450 On Your Bill?
You’ll likely be charged for CPT 70450 if you:
- Visit the ER for head trauma (but without bleeding suspicion needing contrast)
- Get evaluated for strokes, concussions, or neurological symptoms
- Need follow-up imaging for brain abnormalities without contrast