CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $510
Cash Discount Price: $2,352
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge is $510. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,352. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,352

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$510

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: $2,352 (660%)

Insurance Median: $510 (143%)

Cash: $2,352 (660% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $510 (143% 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
Cigna	$306	86%
Humana	$310 - $510	87%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$316 - $473	89%
Medadv-Peoples	$316	89%
Medicare (plans)	$316	89%
Tricare	$316	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$316	89%
Va	$319	89%
Aetna	$325 - $510	91%
Wellcare	$332	93%
Verity	$368	103%
Lucent	$442	124%
Southern-Univ	$500	140%
Amerihealth	$510	143%
Healthy_Blue	$510	143%
Lhc	$510	143%
Medicaid / KanCare	$510	143%
United_Caid	$510	143%
Coventry	$630	177%
Workcomp_Cov	$630	177%
Ambetter / Centene	$659	185%
Workcomp_Saints	$727	204%
Lsufirst	$751	211%
United	$828	232%
Ehn	$885	248%
Uhc_Commcoffee	$945	265%
Gilsbar	$1,537	431%
Multiplan-Pos	$1,882	528%
Multiplan-Ppo	$1,882	528%
Ppoplus	$1,913	537%
Stjude	$2,038	572%
Bayou-Med	$2,195	616%
Dma	$2,195	616%
Lsu	$2,195	616%
Womans_Hosp	$2,195	616%
Reny	$2,352	660%
Workcomp_3R	$2,540	713%
Three_Rivers	$2,666	748%
Workcomp_Strat	$2,666	748%
Geha	$2,760	774%
Workcomp_Fp	$2,822	792%
Usa_Mco	$2,948	827%

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 $2,352.
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 Surgical Specialty Center of 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.