CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sterling Regional Medcenter

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $2,078
Cash Discount Price: $957
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.83x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Sterling Regional Medcenter is $2,078. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $957. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 5.83x the Medicare baseline. Located in 615 Fairhurst St, Sterling, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$957

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,078

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: $957 (268%)

Insurance Median: $2,078 (583%)

Cash: $957 (268% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,078 (583% 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 583% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 483%). 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
Clear Spring Health	$359	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$359 - $2,670	101%
Longevity	$370	104%
Humana	$380	107%
Devoted Health Services	$395	111%
Pinnacol Assurance Workers Comp	$563 - $1,369	158%
Aetna	$786 - $2,619	221%
Banner Health	$873	245%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$873 - $2,140	245%
Healthspring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc.	$873	245%
Medica	$873 - $2,346	245%
Medicare (plans)	$873	245%
Assist Health Group	$1,048	294%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$1,705	478%
Apostrophe, Inc.	$2,534	711%
First Choice Health Network	$2,534	711%
First Choice Of The Midwest	$2,675	750%
Hue Health, Inc	$2,675	750%
Rocky Mountain Health Plans	$2,675	750%
Multiplan	$2,732	766%

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 $957.
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 Sterling Regional Medcenter 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.