CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Ochsner Choctaw General

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,498
Cash Discount Price: $2,481
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Ochsner Choctaw General is $1,498. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,481. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 Vanity Fair Lane, Po Box 618, Butler, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,481

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,498

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: $2,481 (696%)

Insurance Median: $1,498 (420%)

Cash: $2,481 (696% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,498 (420% 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 420% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 320%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$285 - $299	80%
UnitedHealthcare	$589 - $1,795	165%
Cigna	$700 - $1,469	196%
Humana	$1,286 - $1,469	361%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,374	385%
Magnolia Health Plan – Wellcare By All Well Of Mississippi	$1,469	412%
Medicare (plans)	$1,469 - $1,689	412%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,483	416%
Shared Health Mississippi	$1,542	433%
Aetna	$2,122	595%
Primewell Health Services Commercial Exchange Plan	$2,187	614%
Primewell Health Services – Commercial	$2,187	614%
Select Administrative Services Network	$2,285	641%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$2,448	687%
Zelis	$2,448	687%
Prime Health Services Ppo -Workers Comp	$2,605	731%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$2,611	733%
Cor Vel	$2,660	746%

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 $2,481.
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 Ochsner Choctaw General 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.