CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: The Children's Mercy Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $242
Cash Discount Price: $1,050
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.68x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at The Children's Mercy Hospital is $242. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,050. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.68x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,050

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$242

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: $1,050 (295%)

Insurance Median: $242 (68%)

Cash: $1,050 (295% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $242 (68% 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
UnitedHealthcare	$94 - $2,724	26%
Healthy Blue	$100 - $955	28%
Medicaid / KanCare	$101 - $242	28%
Cigna	$107 - $2,817	30%
Home State Health	$133 - $839	37%
Healthlink	$139 - $3,567	39%
Wppa Providrs Care	$139 - $2,634	39%
Health Midwest Comprehensive Care	$147 - $2,638	41%
American Healthcare Alliance	$153 - $3,445	43%
Quiktrip	$166 - $2,638	47%
Medica	$188 - $2,363	53%
Wellfit/Centrus	$203 - $2,634	57%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$207 - $2,999	58%
Multiplan	$207 - $3,080	58%
Centivo	$209 - $2,634	59%
Humana	$211 - $2,695	59%
Aetna	$212 - $2,756	59%
Orscheln	$213 - $2,634	60%
Nebraska Furniture Mart	$215 - $2,634	60%
Mercy Health	$236 - $3,040	66%
Coxhealth Network	$239 - $2,999	67%
Coventry Health Care Of Kansas	$268 - $2,999	75%
National Preferred Provider Network	$284 - $3,648	80%

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 $1,050.
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 The Children's Mercy 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.