CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Norton Sound Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70553
  • Insurance Median: $6,138
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,460
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.22x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Norton Sound Regional Hospital is $6,138. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,460. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 17.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Greg Kruschek Avenue (P O Box 966), Nome, AK.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,460

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$6,138

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: $3,460 (971%)
Insurance Median: $6,138 (1722%)
Cash: $3,460 (971% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $6,138 (1722% 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 1722% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1622%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $6,138 1722%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Greg Kruschek Avenue (P O Box 966), Nome, AK 99762
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Tribal
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals