CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,751
Cash Discount Price: $2,202
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center is $1,751. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,202. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,202

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,751

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: $2,202 (618%)

Insurance Median: $1,751 (491%)

Cash: $2,202 (618% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,751 (491% 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 491% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 391%). 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
Cigna	$683 - $955	192%
Medicaid / KanCare	$781 - $821	219%
UnitedHealthcare	$916	257%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$1,248	350%
Aetna	$2,254	632%
Kaiser [10500]	$4,038	1133%
First Health [10303]	$5,139	1442%
Novanet [10819]	$5,506	1545%
Beechstreet [10800]	$6,020	1689%
Multiplan [10600]	$6,020	1689%
Phcs [10601]	$6,020	1689%

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 $2,202.
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 Piedmont Athens Regional 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.