CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: University of Arkansas Medical Sciences

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $339
Cash Discount Price: $1,589
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.95x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences is $339. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,589. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4301 West Markham Street Mail Slot 612, Little Rock, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,589

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$339

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: $1,589 (446%)

Insurance Median: $339 (95%)

Cash: $1,589 (446% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $339 (95% 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.

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
Triwest	$316	89%
Medicare (plans)	$326 - $333	91%
Va	$326	91%
Aetna	$329	92%
Tribute Health	$329	92%
Wellcare By Allwell	$333	93%
Wellcare Non	$333	93%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$336 - $576	94%
Humana	$336	94%
Primewell Health Services	$336 - $917	94%
UnitedHealthcare	$336 - $1,087	94%
Cigna	$339 - $1,404	95%
Essence Healthcare	$339	95%
Devoted Health Plan	$342	96%
Ambetter / Centene	$479	134%
Northwest Health Plan	$553	155%
Qualchoice Novasys	$553	155%
Vantos	$555	156%
Health Advantage	$576	162%

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 $1,589.
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 University of Arkansas Medical Sciences 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.