CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Chinese Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $761
Cash Discount Price: $6,946
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Chinese Hospital is $761. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,946. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 2.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 845 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,946

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$761

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: $6,946 (1949%)

Insurance Median: $761 (214%)

Cash: $6,946 (1949% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $761 (214% 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 214% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 114%). 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
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$261	73%
Aetna	$504 - $1,956	141%
Cchp Mcr Adv	$504	141%
Jade Mcr Adv	$504	141%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$509 - $707	143%
Jade-All Other Plans	$555	156%
On Lok Mcr Adv-All Plans	$555	156%
Medi-Cal	$594	167%
San Francisco Health Plan- All Plans	$594	167%
Hp Of San Mateo Medi-Cal	$731	205%
Hp Of San Mateo Health Kids/Health Worx-All Other	$791	222%
Blue Shield Medi-Cal	$802	225%
Asian Medical Group Medi-Cal Op Only	$832	233%
Jade Medi-Cal	$1,070	300%
Cigna	$3,000	842%
Health Net-All Plans	$3,681	1033%
Cchp-All Other Plans	$5,904	1656%
Hp Of San Mateo Mcr Adv	$6,251	1754%
Asian Medical Group Mcare Op Only-All Other Plans	$6,946	1949%
Bay Area Accountable Care Mcare	$6,946	1949%
Bay Area Accountable Care - All Other Plans	$12,503	3508%

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 $6,946.
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 Chinese 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.