CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: St Vincents Blount

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,023
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at St Vincents Blount is $1,023. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 2.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 150 Gilbreath Drive, Oneonta, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,023

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%)

Insurance Median: $1,023 (287%)

Ins. Median: $1,023 (287% 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 287% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 187%). 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
Cigna	$335 - $1,023	94%
Humana	$604 - $966	169%
UnitedHealthcare	$736 - $1,004	206%
Aetna	$765 - $945	215%
Ambetter / Centene	$956 - $1,315	268%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$956	268%
Prime Health Services	$1,004 - $2,745	282%
Seven Corners	$1,291	362%
Construction Claims Management	$2,357	661%
Corvel	$2,357	661%
Alamed	$2,495	700%
Multiplan	$2,550	715%
Pnoa	$2,550	715%
Viva	$2,550	715%

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 $X.
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 St Vincents Blount 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.