Price Checker / CPT 70010
How much does Contrast X-ray Of Brain cost?
CPT 70010 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 20x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$75–$150
What this should cost
With insurance
~$1,150
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$190
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $2,149 is $2,039 over the fair price (about 20x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Contrast X-ray Of Brain
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRISCILLA CHAN & MARK ZUCKERBERG SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL & TRAUMA CENTER , CA | $3,707 | $3,707 | 7399% |
| "Doctors' Center Hospital - San Fernando de la Carolina" , DE | $591 | $591 | 1096% |
Were you billed for this procedure?
Send us your bill and we'll compare every line item against Medicare rates and your hospital's published prices. Free review, no obligation.
About Contrast X-ray Of Brain
CPT code 70010 refers to contrast x-ray of brain (billing description: "Contrast x-ray of brain"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $49 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $49 in a doctor's office.
The Medicare rate is the closest thing to an objective "what this work is actually worth." A fair cash price for the uninsured is generally 1.5–3x that rate. Hospital sticker (gross) charges are often far higher — but almost nobody actually pays them.
What to do if you were overcharged
- 1Send us your bill — we'll identify this code and compare it against the rates shown above.
- 2Get a dispute letter — citing the Medicare rate and your hospital's own published pricing data.
- 3We negotiate for you — 25% of savings, no savings = no fee.