CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: UCI Health-Lakewood

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $606
Cash Discount Price: $4,257
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.70x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at UCI Health-Lakewood is $606. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,257. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3700 South St, Lakewood, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,257

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$606

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: $4,257 (1194%)

Insurance Median: $606 (170%)

Cash: $4,257 (1194% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $606 (170% 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
Aetna	$449	126%
Health Net	$458	128%
Blue Shield	$471	132%
Premier Health	$494	139%
Kaiser	$516 - $1,167	145%
Heritage Provider Network	$651	183%
Ahmc	$673	189%
Primecare Medical Network	$696	195%
Alpha Care Medical Group	$718	201%
Oscar Health Plan	$763	214%

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 $4,257.
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 UCI Health-Lakewood 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.