CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Montrose Regional Health

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,296
Cash Discount Price: $1,662
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.64x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Montrose Regional Health is $1,296. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,662. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 3.64x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 S 3Rd St, Montrose, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,662

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,296

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: $1,662 (466%)

Insurance Median: $1,296 (364%)

Cash: $1,662 (466% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,296 (364% 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 364% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 264%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$96 - $3,159	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$107 - $3,126	30%
Humana	$107 - $3,159	30%
Medicare (plans)	$107 - $394	30%
Montrose Community Healthplan-All Plans	$150 - $2,826	42%
United Rocky Mountain Chp-All Other Plans	$176 - $1,430	49%
United Rocky Mountain Private Plan	$178 - $3,076	50%
United Rocky Mountain Self Insured	$178 - $3,159	50%
Sloans Lake Managed Care-All Plans	$227 - $3,167	64%
Three Rivers-All Plans	$337 - $3,159	95%
Western Healthcare Alliance-All Plans	$337 - $2,992	95%
Cigna	$355 - $3,159	100%
Multiplan-All Plans	$355 - $3,159	100%
Uchpa - All Plans	$355 - $3,159	100%
United Rocky Mountain Mcaid	$374 - $2,528	105%

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 $1,662.
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 Montrose Regional Health 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.