CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,346
Cash Discount Price: $4,562
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.39x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $3,346. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,562. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 9.39x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,562

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,346

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: $4,562 (1280%)

Insurance Median: $3,346 (939%)

Cash: $4,562 (1280% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,346 (939% 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 939% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 839%). 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
Aetna	$626 - $1,855	176%
Interplan	$626	176%
Blue Shield	$912 - $4,562	256%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,807 - $3,802	507%
Humana	$1,807 - $4,562	507%
Molina	$1,807 - $5,475	507%
Cigna	$1,855 - $2,987	520%
Medi-Cal	$2,068 - $4,258	580%
Medicare (plans)	$2,403 - $4,076	674%
Health Net	$2,433 - $4,684	683%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,346 - $5,475	939%
Kaiser	$4,035 - $4,258	1132%
Epic Americas	$4,258	1195%
Managed Health Network	$4,258	1195%
Multiplan	$4,258 - $4,866	1195%
Community Health Group	$4,562	1280%
San Diego Pace	$4,562 - $5,961	1280%
Indian Health Council	$4,684	1314%
Allianz Global Assistance	$15,436	4331%

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 $4,562.
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 Sharp Chula Vista 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.