CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: San Joaquin General Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $450
Cash Discount Price: $748
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at San Joaquin General Hospital is $450. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $748. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 W Hospital Road, French Camp, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$748

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$450

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: $748 (210%)

Insurance Median: $450 (126%)

Cash: $748 (210% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $450 (126% 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
Healthnet	$335 - $4,763	94%
Ca Health And Wellness	$373 - $383	105%
Hpsj	$432 - $450	121%
Aetna	$450	126%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$450	126%
Blueshield	$450	126%
Brand New Day	$450	126%
Cigna	$450	126%
Humana	$450	126%
Sutter	$450	126%
UnitedHealthcare	$450	126%
Blue Shield	$2,774	778%
Networks By Design	$5,944	1668%

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 $748.
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 San Joaquin General 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.