CPT 70450 Radiology
CT head/brain without contrast Cost
Body System: Nervous
Medicare Facility Rate
$65
CMS PFS CY2026
Medicare Non-Facility Rate
$195
Office/clinic setting
Hospital Outpatient
$107
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$57
ASC rate
Relative Value Units (RVUs)
Medicare payment = Total RVU × Conversion Factor ($33.40 for CY 2026)
0.85
Work RVU
1.10
Facility PE RVU
0.07
Malpractice RVU
Cost by Location
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $125 | $163 — $250 |
| AK — ALASKA* | $83 | $125 — $208 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $97 | $126 — $193 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $95 | $124 — $190 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $104 | $136 — $209 |
| AZ — Phoenix | $67 | $100 — $167 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $114 | $149 — $228 |
| CA — CHICO | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — FRESNO | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $122 | $158 — $243 |
| CA — Los Angeles | $75 | $113 — $188 |
| CA — MADERA | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — MERCED | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — MODESTO | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — NAPA | $132 | $172 — $265 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $121 | $158 — $242 |
| CA — REDDING | $114 | $148 — $228 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $114 | $148 — $228 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CT head/brain without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate is $65. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates (varies). Hospital outpatient rate: $107. Ambulatory surgery center rate: $57.
How much does CT head/brain without contrast cost without insurance?
Without insurance, you may pay the hospital's chargemaster rate, which is often 300-500% of Medicare. Ask about cash-pay discounts — many facilities offer 20-40% off for self-pay patients. The Medicare baseline for this procedure is $65.