CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $524
Cash Discount Price: $11,499
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital is $524. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $11,499. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 450 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$11,499

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$524

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: $11,499 (3226%)

Insurance Median: $524 (147%)

Cash: $11,499 (3226% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $524 (147% 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
Sfhp	$435	122%
California Health & Wellness	$446	125%
Health Plan San Mateo	$446 - $524	125%
Kaiser	$446 - $8,739	125%
Partnership Health Plan	$446	125%
Brown Toland	$458 - $524	128%
Aetna	$524 - $2,181	147%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$524 - $9,258	147%
Blue Shield Ca	$524	147%
Chinese Community	$524 - $7,474	147%
Connected Care	$524	147%
Health Net	$524 - $653	147%
Humana	$524	147%
Mhn	$524	147%
United	$524 - $828	147%
Kentfield	$1,521	427%
Oscar	$1,720	483%
Cigna	$4,640 - $4,935	1302%
Magellan	$6,899	1936%
Healthsmart	$8,049	2258%
Multiplan	$9,544	2678%
Us Behavioral Health	$11,499	3226%

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 $11,499.
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 UCSF Health St. Mary's 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.