CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Astera Health

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $894
Cash Discount Price: $1,633
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Astera Health is $894. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,633. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 2.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 421 11Th Street Nw, Wadena, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,633

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$894

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: $1,633 (458%)

Insurance Median: $894 (251%)

Cash: $1,633 (458% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $894 (251% 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 251% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 151%). 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 Plus Pmap [40002]	$59 - $5,128	17%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$115 - $5,128	32%
Health Partners [10045]	$115 - $5,128	32%
Medica Nonpmap [10056]	$115 - $342,215	32%
Primewest Non Pmap [30004]	$115 - $5,128	32%
Ucare Non Pmap [30007]	$115 - $5,385	32%
Sanford Health Plan [10120]	$147 - $3,734	41%
Ucare Commercial [10705]	$224 - $3,266	63%
Multiplan	$241 - $3,514	68%
Ucare Pmap [30006]	$242 - $1,691	68%
Health Partners Pmap [10046]	$245 - $2,210	69%
Medica Pmap [10057]	$245 - $3,448	69%
Primewest Pmap [30003]	$245 - $3,448	69%
Aetna	$272 - $3,954	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$422 - $3,396	118%

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 $1,633.
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 Astera Health 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.