CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,447
Cash Discount Price: $2,894
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.06x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital is $1,447. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,894. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.06x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1700 Center Street, Mobile, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,894

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,447

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: $2,894 (812%)

Insurance Median: $1,447 (406%)

Cash: $2,894 (812% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,447 (406% 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 406% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 306%). 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
Central Healthcare Services	$168 - $2,572	47%
Magnolia Health	$285	80%
Truecare	$285	80%
UnitedHealthcare	$285 - $2,777	80%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$311	87%
Molina Chip	$313	88%
Aetna	$317 - $2,829	89%
Devoted Health	$317 - $3,600	89%
Humana	$317 - $3,343	89%
Viva Health	$317 - $2,572	89%
Wellcare	$317	89%
Molina Marketplace	$349	98%
Ambetter / Centene	$380	107%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network (Mpcn)	$428	120%
Cigna	$615 - $3,343	173%
Multiplan	$1,881 - $3,600	528%
Novanet	$2,605 - $4,629	731%

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 $2,894.
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 USA Health Children's & Women's 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.