MRI, brain (with and without contrast)
Facility: Labette Health
Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70553
- Insurance Median: $376
- Cash Discount Price: $2,881
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.05x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $209 - $376 | 59% |
| Healthy Blue | $211 - $376 | 59% |
| Wellcare | $330 | 93% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $330 - $553 | 93% |
| Humana | $330 | 93% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $330 - $3,580 | 93% |
| Kansas Superior Select | $340 | 95% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $380 | 107% |
| Montgomery County | $604 | 169% |
| Uhccp | $838 - $953 | 235% |
| Multiplan | $3,498 | 981% |
| Choicecare (First Health Network) | $3,704 | 1039% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas, Inc | $3,704 | 1039% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI of the brain (with and without contrast) at Labette Health in Parsons, KS, the facility's cash median rate is $2,881.00, which is significantly lower than the gross charge of $4,115.00. While many commercial payers have negotiated rates ranging from $209 to $3,704, the cash price often represents the most affordable option for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance. To maximize savings, patients should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront fee reductions can bypass administrative costs and lower the final bill. It is important to note that while some insurers have negotiated rates exceeding the cash price, paying out-of-pocket immediately can result in a lower total cost compared to waiting for insurance reimbursement.
This facility is a government-owned acute care hospital in Kansas, and its pricing reflects a local market context where the cash rate is notably lower than the gross charges. Although the data does not provide specific state or county average benchmarks for this procedure, the facility's cash median of $2,881.00 serves as a critical baseline for comparison against commercial negotiated rates. Patients should be aware that while the No Surprises Act protects against balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, it is essential to verify network status and request itemized bills to avoid unexpected charges. By comparing the facility's cash rate directly to the Medicare amount of $356.43 and understanding that commercial rates often include administrative overhead, patients can make informed decisions about whether to use insurance or pay cash.