CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Antelope Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $513
Cash Discount Price: $1,944
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Antelope Valley Hospital is $513. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,944. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1600 W Ave J, Lancaster, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,944

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$513

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: $1,944 (545%)

Insurance Median: $513 (144%)

Cash: $1,944 (545% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $513 (144% 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
Alignment Healthcare	$447	125%
Central Health Plan Of California	$447	125%
Citizens Choice Healthplan	$447	125%
Health Net Of California	$447 - $1,486	125%
L.A. Care Health Plan	$447	125%
Wellcare	$447	125%
Humana	$455	128%
For Your Benefit	$460	129%
Brand New Day	$469	132%
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals	$480	135%
Aids Foundation	$513	144%
Align Senior Care Ca	$513	144%
Champion Health Plan	$513	144%
Clever Care Health Plan	$536	150%
Blue Shield Of California	$550	154%
Ca State Prison	$580	163%
Oscar Hp/Providence Health Network	$670	188%
Blue Shield	$680	191%
Aetna	$687	193%
Cigna	$1,562	438%

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 $1,944.
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 Antelope Valley 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.