CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,453
Cash Discount Price: $3,930
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is $3,453. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,930. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 9.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1300 Anne St Nw, Bemidji, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,930

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,453

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: $3,930 (1103%)

Insurance Median: $3,453 (969%)

Cash: $3,930 (1103% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,453 (969% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 969% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 869%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$277 - $1,360	78%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$333	93%
Ucare	$358 - $3,453	100%
Aetna	$361 - $4,029	101%
Health Partners	$361 - $3,439	101%
Medicare (plans)	$361	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$361 - $4,102	101%
Primewest	$368 - $393	103%
Sanford Health Plan	$2,239 - $3,003	628%
Security Health Plan	$2,702	758%
Medica	$4,127 - $4,417	1158%
Cigna	$4,422	1241%
First Choice Health Network	$4,422	1241%
Healthez	$4,422	1241%
Multiplan	$4,422	1241%

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 $3,930.
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 Sanford Bemidji 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.