CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Holyoke Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $454
Cash Discount Price: $2,400
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Holyoke Medical Center is $454. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,400. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,400

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$454

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: $2,400 (673%)

Insurance Median: $454 (127%)

Cash: $2,400 (673% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $454 (127% 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
Aetna	$354 - $413	99%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$413 - $748	116%
Health New England	$413 - $1,915	116%
Tufts Health Plan	$413 - $834	116%
UnitedHealthcare	$413 - $2,598	116%
Bmchp	$417	117%
Fallon	$417 - $454	117%
Commonwealth Care Alliance	$434	122%
Wellsense Sco	$438	123%
Wellcare	$442	124%
Senior Whole Health	$475	133%
Tufts Health Public Plans	$496 - $1,184	139%
Cigna	$497	139%
Wellsense Direct Metals Silver	$521	146%
Harvard Pilgrim	$587	165%
Gic Unicare	$861	242%

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 $2,400.
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 Holyoke 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.