CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $5,385
Cash Discount Price: $5,385
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $5,385. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,385. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 15.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,385

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,385

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: $5,385 (1511%)

Insurance Median: $5,385 (1511%)

Cash: $5,385 (1511% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,385 (1511% 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 1511% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1411%). 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
Aetna	$1,492 - $7,693	419%
Curaechoice [6100]	$1,800	505%
Imagine Health [6032]	$2,077	583%
Humana	$3,077 - $3,846	863%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3,462 - $7,693	971%
Healthlink [125]	$3,846 - $7,693	1079%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$4,462	1252%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$5,000 - $6,539	1403%
Medpartners [6038]	$5,385	1511%
Cigna	$6,154 - $7,693	1727%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$6,154 - $7,693	1727%
First Health Plan [6034]	$7,693	2158%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$7,693	2158%
UnitedHealthcare	$7,693	2158%

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 $5,385.
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 Northwestern 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.