CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $5,384
Cash Discount Price: $12,269
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital is $5,384. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $12,269. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 15.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 S Potomac St, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$12,269

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,384

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: $12,269 (3442%)

Insurance Median: $5,384 (1511%)

Cash: $12,269 (3442% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,384 (1511% 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 1511% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1411%). 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	$260 - $9,305	73%
Pinnacol Workers Comp	$592	166%
Multiplan	$617 - $11,317	173%
United	$626 - $5,659	176%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$828	232%
Aetna	$1,552 - $2,352	435%
Vail Health	$1,819 - $1,911	510%
Bright Health	$3,589 - $3,772	1007%
Colorado Program For Children With Special Needs	$5,025 - $5,281	1410%
Cigna	$5,982 - $8,048	1678%
Western Plains Community Health	$7,777 - $8,173	2182%
Northcare	$8,375 - $8,802	2350%
Physician Health Partners	$8,375 - $8,802	2350%
Medical Development International	$9,572 - $10,060	2686%
Prime Health	$10,768 - $11,317	3021%

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 $12,269.
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 The Medical Center of Aurora & South 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.