MRI, brain (with and without contrast)
Facility: Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center
Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70553
- Insurance Median: $330
- Cash Discount Price: $1,608
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.93x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $207 - $527 | 58% |
| Aetna | $207 - $1,233 | 58% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $330 - $1,044 | 93% |
| Cigna | $866 | 243% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 70553, "MRI, brain (with and without contrast)," the Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center in Wichita, KS, lists a cash median price of $1,608.00, which is slightly lower than the gross charge of $1,616.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna range from $207 to $1,233, these amounts are often higher than the cash price for patients with high-deductible plans. Because commercial insurance contracts include administrative overhead and claim processing costs, paying cash upfront can sometimes result in a lower out-of-pocket expense. Patients should verify if the facility offers "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full before or shortly after the service.
This service is benchmarked against the federal Medicare rate of $356.43, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of care. The facility's cash price represents a significant markup over this baseline, a common practice in commercial healthcare where negotiated rates often average 200% to 300% of Medicare amounts. To ensure you are receiving fair pricing, it is crucial to request an itemized billing audit rather than accepting a summary bill, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered. By comparing the facility's rates directly to the Medicare benchmark and confirming your deductible status before scheduling, you can avoid unexpected costs and make an informed decision about your healthcare