CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Ouachita County Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,902
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.95x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Ouachita County Medical Center is $3,902. 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 10.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 638 California Avenue, Camden, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,902

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: $3,902 (1095%)

Ins. Median: $3,902 (1095% 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 1095% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 995%). 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
Arkansas Firstsource	$367 - $4,682	103%
Blue Advantage	$367 - $4,682	103%
Blue Card	$367 - $4,682	103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$367 - $4,682	103%
Health Advantage	$367 - $4,682	103%
Arkansas Totalcare	$578 - $1,312	162%
Medicaid / KanCare	$578	162%
UnitedHealthcare	$828 - $2,601	232%
Self Pay	$2,311 - $2,601	648%
Municipal Health Benefit	$2,773 - $3,121	778%
Cigna	$3,027 - $3,407	849%
Aetna	$3,466 - $3,902	972%
Amco	$4,621 - $5,202	1296%
Mutual Of Omaha	$4,621 - $5,202	1296%
Qualchoice Exchange	$4,621 - $5,202	1296%
Qualchoice Of Arkansas	$4,621 - $5,202	1296%
Usable Life Group Health	$4,621 - $5,202	1296%

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 Ouachita County Medical Center 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.