CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: North Oaks Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $354
Cash Discount Price: $850
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at North Oaks Medical Center is $354. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $850. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 15790 Paul Vega Md Drive, Hammond, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$850

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$354

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: $850 (238%)

Insurance Median: $354 (99%)

Cash: $850 (238% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $354 (99% 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
Tricare	$312 - $326	88%
Aetna	$326 - $4,185	91%
Allwell	$326	91%
Blue Advantage	$326	91%
Champva	$326	91%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage	$326	91%
Humana	$326 - $3,692	91%
Peoples Health	$326	91%
UnitedHealthcare	$326 - $2,363	91%
Vantage 65	$326	91%
Veterans Administration	$326	91%
Wellcare	$326	91%
Mco Lhc	$347	97%
Mco Hb	$354	99%
Mco Lacare Am	$354	99%
Medicaid / KanCare	$354	99%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$838 - $850	235%
Coventry	$3,200	898%
Verity Healthnet	$3,200	898%
Ppoplus Llc	$3,446	967%
Multiplan	$3,692	1036%
Cigna	$3,889	1091%

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 $850.
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 North Oaks Medical Center 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.