CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary -

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $424
Cash Discount Price: $2,543
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - is $424. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,543. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,543

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$424

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: $2,543 (713%)

Insurance Median: $424 (119%)

Cash: $2,543 (713% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $424 (119% 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
Harvard Pilgrim Alternate [120002]	$386	108%
Harvard Pilgrim [120001]	$386	108%
UnitedHealthcare	$386 - $424	108%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$424 - $1,313	119%
Commonwealth Care Alliance [1007]	$424	119%
Elder Services [1037]	$424	119%
Fallon Health [1008]	$424	119%
Humana	$424	119%
Martin'S Point [160007]	$424	119%
Medicare (plans)	$424	119%
Mgb Health Plan [150001]	$424	119%
Molina [1014]	$424	119%
Tricare	$424	119%
Tufts Health Plan [170001]	$424 - $1,289	119%
Tufts Health Public Plans [1013]	$424	119%
Cigna	$1,289	362%
Aetna	$1,736	487%
International Commercial [140001]	$1,736 - $2,204	487%
Phcs Multiplan [1022]	$2,475	694%

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 $2,543.
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 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - 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.