CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Memorial Satilla Health

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $571
Cash Discount Price: $9,179
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.60x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Memorial Satilla Health is $571. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9,179. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.60x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1900 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$9,179

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$571

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: $9,179 (2575%)

Insurance Median: $571 (160%)

Cash: $9,179 (2575% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $571 (160% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$162 - $612	45%
Ambetter / Centene	$368	103%
Health One Alliance	$369	104%
Aetna	$461 - $5,060	129%
United	$828 - $4,131	232%
Prime Health	$898	252%
Employer'S Health Network	$917	257%
Amerigroup	$1,230	345%
Nhc Advantage	$1,744	489%
Pruitt Health	$1,744	489%
Peach State	$1,836	515%
Wellcare	$1,836	515%
Value Option	$4,590	1288%
Multiplan	$6,177	1733%
Cigna	$7,343	2060%
Novanet	$8,261	2318%

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 $9,179.
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 Memorial Satilla Health 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.