CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Slidell Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $692
Cash Discount Price: $935
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Slidell Memorial Hospital is $692. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $935. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1001 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$935

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$692

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: $935 (262%)

Insurance Median: $692 (194%)

Cash: $935 (262% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $692 (194% 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$285 - $299	80%
Aetna	$327 - $927	92%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$327	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$327 - $1,129	92%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$327	92%
Humana	$327 - $692	92%
Medicare (plans)	$327	92%
Ochsner Health Plan	$327	92%
Tricare	$327	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$327 - $931	92%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$692	194%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$692	194%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$699	196%
Cigna	$1,882	528%
First Health Network	$2,268	636%
Healthcomp & Personify Health (Formerly Gilsbar)	$2,551	716%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$3,401	954%
Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (Lwcc)	$4,592	1288%

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 $935.
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 Slidell 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.