CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,301
Cash Discount Price: $1,402
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.65x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Duke University Hospital is $1,301. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,402. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 3.65x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,402

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,301

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: $1,402 (393%)

Insurance Median: $1,301 (365%)

Cash: $1,402 (393% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,301 (365% 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 365% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 265%). 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
Aetna	$332 - $2,871	93%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$344 - $5,192	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$344 - $2,600	97%
Troy Health	$348	98%
Voans	$348	98%
Humana	$350 - $4,413	98%
Cigna	$355 - $5,192	100%
Liberty	$355	100%
Alliance Health	$1,174 - $2,600	329%
Amerihealth	$1,174 - $2,600	329%
Carolina Complete Health	$1,174 - $2,600	329%
Trillium	$1,174 - $2,600	329%
Partners	$1,304	366%
Medcost	$2,212	621%
Sentara	$3,235	908%

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 $1,402.
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 Duke University 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.