CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,599
Cash Discount Price: $7,775
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce is $3,599. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $7,775. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 10.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$7,775

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,599

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: $7,775 (2181%)

Insurance Median: $3,599 (1010%)

Cash: $7,775 (2181% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,599 (1010% 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 1010% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 910%). 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
United	$828 - $4,834	232%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,354 - $1,503	380%
Wellcare	$1,394 - $1,548	391%
Amerihealth	$1,408 - $1,562	395%
Partners Health Management	$1,422 - $1,578	399%
Vaya Health	$1,422 - $1,578	399%
Apex Health	$1,474 - $1,636	414%
Cigna	$2,734 - $4,074	767%
Caresource	$3,243 - $3,599	910%
Medcost	$4,151 - $6,953	1165%
Magellan	$4,422 - $4,908	1241%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$4,422 - $4,908	1241%
Aetna	$5,328 - $5,914	1495%
Multiplan	$5,896 - $6,544	1654%
Avalon Administrative Services	$6,264 - $6,953	1757%
Prime Health	$6,485 - $7,362	1819%

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 $7,775.
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 Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce 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.