CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $280
Cash Discount Price: $2,326
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.79x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Sarasota Memorial Hospital is $280. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,326. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.79x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1700 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,326

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$280

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: $2,326 (653%)

Insurance Median: $280 (79%)

Cash: $2,326 (653% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $280 (79% 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.

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
Simply Healthcare Oncology	$87 - $173	24%
Sunshine State Oncology	$87 - $173	24%
Molina Oncology	$89 - $178	25%
Amerihealth Caritas Oncology	$91 - $182	26%
Community Care Plan Oncology	$91 - $182	26%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$103 - $358	29%
Florida Community Care Oncology	$109 - $260	31%
UnitedHealthcare	$111 - $4,990	31%
Wellcare Oncology	$114 - $220	32%
Simply Freedom Optimum Oncology	$117 - $232	33%
Aetna	$123 - $5,316	35%
Oscar Oncology	$182 - $356	51%
Simply Healthcare	$255 - $267	72%
Sunshine State	$267	75%
Molina	$275	77%
Amerihealth Caritas	$280	79%
Community Care Plan	$280	79%
Florida Community Care	$280 - $394	79%
Ambetter / Centene	$284 - $968	80%
Simply Freedom Optimum	$376	105%
Wellcare	$376	105%
Careworks	$460 - $3,962	129%
Enlyte	$460 - $3,962	129%
Avmed	$3,638 - $4,851	1021%
Usa Managed Care	$3,986 - $5,316	1118%
First Health	$4,136 - $5,515	1160%

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 $2,326.
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 Sarasota Memorial 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.