CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: University Hospital and Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $5,002
Cash Discount Price: $20,131
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at University Hospital and Medical Center is $5,002. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $20,131. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 14.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 7201 N University Dr, Tamarac, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$20,131

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,002

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: $20,131 (5648%)

Insurance Median: $5,002 (1403%)

Cash: $20,131 (5648% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,002 (1403% 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 1403% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1303%). 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
United	$828 - $9,059	232%
Aetna	$1,060 - $6,039	297%
Avmed	$1,088 - $10,065	305%
Freedom Health	$1,731 - $3,221	486%
Optimum	$1,731	486%
Simply Healthcare Plans	$2,617	734%
Molina	$3,825 - $5,435	1073%
Corvel Corporation	$3,934	1104%
Careworks (Rockport)	$4,017	1127%
Prime Health	$4,017	1127%
Health Sun Health Plan	$4,288	1203%
Mmm Of Fl (Health Advantage Plan)	$4,630	1299%
United Ppo	$4,771	1339%
Sunshine State Health Plan	$5,314	1491%
Plotkin Health	$10,065	2824%
Prime Health Sherriff	$10,065	2824%
Medica Healthcare	$11,676	3276%
Multiplan	$15,098 - $17,111	4236%
Evernorth Bh	$16,104	4518%

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 $20,131.
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 University Hospital and 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.