CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: St Lukes Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $376
Cash Discount Price: $3,847
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.05x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at St Lukes Hospital is $376. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,847. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in 915 East 1St Street, Duluth, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,847

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$376

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: $3,847 (1079%)

Insurance Median: $376 (105%)

Cash: $3,847 (1079% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $376 (105% 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
Ucare	$148	42%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$168 - $1,673	47%
UnitedHealthcare	$184 - $500	52%
Healthpartners	$349 - $368	98%
Aetna	$372	104%
Humana	$379	106%
Medica	$649	182%
Security Health Plan Of Wisconsin, Inc.	$5,142	1443%

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 $3,847.
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 St Lukes Hospital 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.