CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Connecticut Childrens Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $2,142
Cash Discount Price: $1,698
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center is $2,142. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,698. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 6.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,698

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,142

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: $1,698 (476%)

Insurance Median: $2,142 (601%)

Cash: $1,698 (476% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,142 (601% 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 601% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 501%). 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
Golden Rule [100106]	$586 - $2,377	164%
Harvard Pilgrim [1001134]	$586 - $2,377	164%
Oxford [100103]	$586 - $2,377	164%
UnitedHealthcare	$586 - $2,377	164%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,117 - $2,138	313%
Unicare [100148]	$1,117 - $2,138	313%
Wellpoint [100150]	$1,117 - $2,138	313%
Multiplan [1001126]	$2,064 - $2,406	579%
Aetna	$2,142 - $2,380	601%
1199 National Benefit Fund [100134]	$2,380	668%
Government Employees Hospital Assoc [100115]	$2,380	668%
Humana	$2,380	668%
Meritain Health [100149]	$2,380	668%
Nippon Life Ins Co Of America [100112]	$2,380	668%
Yale Health Plan [100162]	$2,380	668%
Cdphp/Comm [100199]	$2,406	675%
Generic Multiplan [1001130]	$2,406	675%
Ultrabenefits/Comm [100181]	$2,406	675%

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 $1,698.
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 Connecticut Childrens 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.