CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,086
Cash Discount Price: $3,306
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $3,086. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,306. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 8.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,306

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,086

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: $3,306 (928%)

Insurance Median: $3,086 (866%)

Cash: $3,306 (928% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,086 (866% 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 866% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 766%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$316	89%
Aetna	$319 - $3,086	89%
Cooper Green	$319	89%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$319	89%
Triwest	$319	89%
United Mine Workers	$319	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$319 - $1,538	89%
Cigna	$332 - $3,187	93%
Humana	$338 - $3,747	95%
Viva	$367 - $2,204	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$439	123%
Phcs	$2,645 - $3,086	742%
Beech Street	$2,733 - $3,086	767%
One Health Plan	$2,865	804%
Geha	$3,086	866%
Healthchoice	$3,086	866%
Alamed	$3,451	968%
Construction Claims Management	$3,567	1001%
Multiplan	$3,615	1014%
Corvel	$3,643 - $3,967	1022%
Novanet	$3,681	1033%
Department Of Labor	$3,835	1076%
Heritage Summit Health	$3,835	1076%
Pnoa	$3,967	1113%
Three Rivers	$3,967	1113%

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 $3,306.
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 Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System 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.