CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $409
Cash Discount Price: $729
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge is $409. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $729. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 17000 Medical Center Dr, Baton Rouge, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$729

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$409

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: $729 (205%)

Insurance Median: $409 (115%)

Cash: $729 (205% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $409 (115% 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	80%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$328	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$328 - $1,489	92%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$328	92%
Humana	$328 - $398	92%
Medicare (plans)	$328	92%
Ochsner Health Plan	$328	92%
Tricare	$328	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$328 - $405	92%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$405	114%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$405	114%
Aetna	$409 - $1,008	115%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$409	115%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$1,216	341%
Healthcomp & Personify Health (Formerly Gilsbar)	$1,216	341%
Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (Lwcc)	$1,520	426%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network	$1,520	426%
First Health Network	$1,621	455%
Cigna	$1,667	468%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$1,722	483%
Usa Managed Care Network	$1,722	483%

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 $729.
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 Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge 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.