CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Essentia Health Deer River

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $2,159
Cash Discount Price: $2,901
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.06x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Essentia Health Deer River is $2,159. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,901. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 6.06x the Medicare baseline. Located in 115 10Th Avenue Northeast, Deer River, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,901

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,159

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: $2,901 (814%)

Insurance Median: $2,159 (606%)

Cash: $2,901 (814% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,159 (606% 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 606% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 506%). 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
Itasca Med Care	$357	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,507 - $2,748	423%
Blue Plus Pmap Pcc Prime	$1,507 - $2,159	423%
Healthpartners Care Pmap	$1,578	443%
Advocare/Security Health	$1,688	474%
Freedom Blue Ppo	$1,688	474%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv	$1,688	474%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime	$1,688	474%
Imcare Msho Ref Req	$1,688	474%
Medica Advantage Solutions	$1,688	474%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions	$1,688	474%
Medica Prime Solution Group	$1,688	474%
Medicare (plans)	$1,688	474%
Healthpartners	$2,654 - $3,129	745%
America'S Ppo	$3,043	854%
Cigna	$3,062 - $3,129	859%
Healthpartners Pcc Prime	$3,062 - $3,129	859%
Aetna	$3,337	936%

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 $2,901.
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 Essentia Health Deer River 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.