CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Banner Lassen Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $5,482
Cash Discount Price: $3,377
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Banner Lassen Medical Center is $5,482. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,377. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 15.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1800 Spring Ridge Drive, Susanville, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,377

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,482

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: $3,377 (947%)

Insurance Median: $5,482 (1538%)

Cash: $3,377 (947% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,482 (1538% 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 1538% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1438%). 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 Cross Blue Shield	$71	20%
Partnership Healthplan Of Ca	$513	144%
Banner Health	$2,391	671%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,391 - $5,424	671%
Network Providers, Llc	$3,108	872%
Imperial Health Plan Of California, Inc	$3,228	906%
Blue Shield Of California	$5,074	1424%
Multiplan	$5,249	1473%
Cigna	$5,540	1554%
Coventry	$5,599	1571%
First Health	$5,599	1571%
Health Net	$5,657	1587%

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 $3,377.
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 Banner Lassen 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.