CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: South Peninsula Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $2,417
Cash Discount Price: $2,457
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.78x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at South Peninsula Hospital is $2,417. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,457. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 6.78x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4300 Bartlett St, Homer, AK.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,457

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,417

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: $2,457 (689%)

Insurance Median: $2,417 (678%)

Cash: $2,457 (689% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,417 (678% 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 678% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 578%). 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
Liberty Healthshare - All Plans	$213 - $3,969	60%
UnitedHealthcare	$356 - $5,217	100%
Premera First - All Plans	$488 - $5,273	137%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$569 - $5,273	160%
Aetna	$749 - $4,820	210%
Geha - All Plans	$793 - $5,103	222%
Meritain - All Plans	$793 - $5,103	222%
Teamsters Emply - All Plans	$793 - $5,103	222%
Ufcw - All Plans	$793 - $5,103	222%
Cigna	$838 - $5,387	235%
Great West - All Plans	$838 - $5,387	235%
Moda - All Plans	$838 - $5,387	235%
Multiplan Phcs - All Plans	$838 - $5,387	235%
Pmcs - All Plans	$838 - $5,387	235%
First Choice Health - All Plans	$864 - $5,557	242%

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 $2,457.
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 South Peninsula 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.