CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Bethesda Hospital East

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,002
Cash Discount Price: $4,920
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Bethesda Hospital East is $1,002. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,920. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 2.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2815 S Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,920

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,002

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: $4,920 (1380%)

Insurance Median: $1,002 (281%)

Cash: $4,920 (1380% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,002 (281% 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 281% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 181%). 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
Amerigroup	$256	72%
Medicaid / KanCare	$256 - $281	72%
Sunshine State	$256	72%
UnitedHealthcare	$256 - $7,569	72%
Wellcare	$256	72%
Aetna	$268 - $4,042	75%
Vista	$268	75%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$364 - $1,552	102%
Leon Medical	$364	102%
Medica Health Plan	$364	102%
Medicare (plans)	$364 - $492	102%
Humana	$379	106%
Cigna	$383 - $886	107%
Avmed	$401 - $3,739	113%
Non Contracted	$2,778	779%
Amerihealth	$3,406	956%
Affordable	$4,920	1380%
International	$4,920	1380%
Dimension Health Plan	$6,812	1911%
Phcs	$6,812	1911%
Quality Health	$6,812	1911%

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 $4,920.
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 Bethesda Hospital East 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.