CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70553
  • Insurance Median: $4,346
  • Cash Discount Price: $5,424
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.19x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $4,346. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,424. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 12.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$5,424

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$4,346

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: $5,424 (1522%)
Insurance Median: $4,346 (1219%)
Cash: $5,424 (1522% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $4,346 (1219% 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 1219% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1119%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
One Call Medical, Inc. $150 - $1,100 42%
Immergrun $183 - $2,716 51%
Aetna $291 - $8,366 82%
Iowa Total Care $291 - $4,346 82%
Medical Associates $291 - $5,432 82%
Molina Healthcare $291 - $4,346 82%
UnitedHealthcare $291 - $4,596 82%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $297 - $5,215 83%
Healthpartners $297 - $9,235 83%
American Health Plan $305 - $353 86%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup) $305 - $353 86%
Oscar Health $461 - $6,845 129%
Great River Health Systems $512 - $7,606 144%
Quad City Community Healthcare $548 - $8,149 154%
Sedgwick $585 - $8,692 164%
Global Excel $621 - $9,235 174%
Sanford Health Plan $621 - $9,235 174%
Employee Benefit Systems $643 - $9,778 180%
Sisco $643 - $9,561 180%
Healthsmart $658 - $9,778 185%
Hfn $673 - $9,996 189%
Multiplan $673 - $9,996 189%
Aplos Health Plan $833 - $8,692 234%
Midlands Choice $3,217 - $7,062 903%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - State
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals