CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Nkc Health

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,439
Cash Discount Price: $730
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.04x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Nkc Health is $1,439. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $730. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.04x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2800 Clay Edwards Drive, North Kansas City, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$730

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,439

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: $730 (205%)

Insurance Median: $1,439 (404%)

Cash: $730 (205% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,439 (404% 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 404% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 304%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$314	88%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$344 - $1,695	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$349 - $953	98%
Humana	$358	100%
Occunet Network	$720	202%
Centrus Health Direct	$786 - $926	221%
Wellfit	$786 - $821	221%
Quiktrip	$829 - $1,511	233%
Oscar	$983	276%
Cigna	$1,183	332%
Centivo	$1,511	424%
Multiplan	$1,763 - $2,014	495%
Aetna	$2,060 - $2,209	578%

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 $730.
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 Nkc 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.