CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Mercy Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $5,316
Cash Discount Price: $1,715
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Mercy Regional Medical Center is $5,316. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,715. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 14.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 E Main, Ville Platte, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,715

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,316

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: $1,715 (481%)

Insurance Median: $5,316 (1491%)

Cash: $1,715 (481% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,316 (1491% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1491% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1391%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Pp0/Manged Care	$321 - $6,119	90%
Ppo/Manged Care	$321 - $6,119	90%
Aetna	$643 - $740	180%
Mcd Hmo Amerigroup	$643 - $740	180%
Mcd Hmo La Care	$643 - $740	180%
Mcd Hmo La Hlth Cr Connct	$643 - $740	180%
Medicaid / KanCare	$643 - $6,119	180%
UnitedHealthcare	$649 - $747	182%
Mcd Hmo Com Hlth Solution	$707 - $814	198%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$736	206%
Charity/Map	$1,595 - $6,119	447%
American Postal Workers	$4,252 - $4,895	1193%
Work Comp	$4,784 - $5,507	1342%
Commerical	$5,316 - $6,119	1491%
Commerical Ip	$5,316 - $6,119	1491%
Mcr American Hlth Adv	$5,316 - $6,119	1491%
Medicare (plans)	$5,316 - $6,119	1491%
Mra Auto/Liability	$5,316 - $6,119	1491%
Tricare	$5,316 - $6,119	1491%

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 $1,715.
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 Mercy Regional 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.