CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Alaska Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $7,382
Cash Discount Price: $12,004
vs. Medicare Baseline: 20.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Alaska Regional Hospital is $7,382. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $12,004. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 20.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2801 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.

Cash / Self-Pay

$12,004

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$7,382

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$356.43

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $356.43 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $12,004 (3368%)

Insurance Median: $7,382 (2071%)

Cash: $12,004 (3368% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $7,382 (2071% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $356.43 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 2071% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1971%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Aetna	$1,223 - $5,247	343%
Union Coalition Cement Masons	$1,734	486%
Union Coalition	$1,803	506%
Moda Health	$3,829 - $5,642	1074%
United	$4,441 - $9,063	1246%
Premerafirst	$5,942	1667%
Geha Ppo Usa	$6,194 - $10,515	1738%
Cigna	$6,506	1825%
Multiplan	$7,202 - $11,163	2021%
Coventry Healthcare	$7,562	2122%
First Health	$8,403	2358%
Bering Strait School District	$9,003	2526%
Nreca Group Benefit Trust	$9,003	2526%
Risk & Benefit Management	$9,003	2526%
Banner Health	$9,603	2694%
Matanuska Telephone	$9,603	2694%

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 $12,004.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70553.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Alaska Regional Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70553.
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.