CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Wheatland Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $321
Cash Discount Price: $1,574
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Wheatland Memorial Hospital is $321. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,574. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 530 3Rd St Nw, Harlowton, MT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,574

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$321

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: $1,574 (442%)

Insurance Median: $321 (90%)

Cash: $1,574 (442% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $321 (90% 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	$63 - $2,735	18%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$105 - $171	29%
Healthnet Federal-All Plans	$105 - $1,702	29%
Humana	$105 - $1,702	29%
Pacific Source Mcr Adv	$105 - $1,702	29%
Triwest-All Plans	$105 - $1,702	29%
Medica Prime Solutions-All Plans	$107 - $1,702	30%
Naphcare-All Plans	$168	47%
Allegiance Provider-All Plans	$174 - $2,372	49%
First Choice Big Sky-All Plans	$175 - $2,651	49%
6 Degrees Health-All Plans	$189 - $2,651	53%
Ccn-All Plans	$189 - $2,707	53%
First Health-All Plans	$189 - $2,679	53%
Community Health Ntwk-All Plans	$191 - $2,651	54%
Interwest Ppo-All Plans	$191 - $2,651	54%
Mountain Health Co-Op-All Plans	$192 - $2,651	54%
Rocky Mountain Health Network-All Plans	$192 - $2,651	54%
Pacific Steel & Recycling-All Plans	$210 - $2,651	59%
City Of Billings-All Plans	$228 - $4,186	64%
Pacific Source-All Other Plans	$237 - $2,651	66%
Amish Old Orders-All Plans	$268 - $2,093	75%
Fedmed Network-All Plans	$303 - $2,651	85%
Americas Choice-All Plans	$339 - $2,651	95%
Three Rivers-All Plans	$339 - $2,651	95%

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 $1,574.
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 Wheatland Memorial 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.