CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Ascension St Vincent Mercy

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $233
Cash Discount Price: $2,508
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.65x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Ascension St Vincent Mercy is $233. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,508. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.65x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1331 S A St, Elwood, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,508

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$233

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: $2,508 (704%)

Insurance Median: $233 (65%)

Cash: $2,508 (704% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $233 (65% 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	$82 - $2,939	23%
Medicaid / KanCare	$82 - $270	23%
Mhs Care Connect	$82 - $270	23%
UnitedHealthcare	$109 - $842	31%
Aetna	$233 - $700	65%
Ambetter / Centene	$233	65%
Ascension Complete Mcr	$233	65%
Caresource Marketplace	$233	65%
Corizon	$233	65%
Humana	$233	65%
Immergrun	$233	65%
Medicare (plans)	$233	65%
Personalized Care	$233	65%
Secure Horizons-Pacificare	$233	65%
Smarthealth Ppo	$414	116%
Smarthealth Ppo/Hdhp 20161001	$414	116%
Encore Exclusive	$440	123%
Patoka Valley Tier 1	$440	123%
Patoka Valley Tier 2	$440	123%

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 $2,508.
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 Ascension St Vincent Mercy 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.