CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70553
  • Insurance Median: $2,805
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,305
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.87x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Columbus Regional Healthcare System is $2,805. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,305. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 7.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,305

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,805

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: $3,305 (927%)
Insurance Median: $2,805 (787%)
Cash: $3,305 (927% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,805 (787% 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 787% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 687%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $335 - $3,032 94%
Troy $335 94%
UnitedHealthcare $335 - $3,211 94%
Va Communicare Care $335 94%
Wellcare $335 - $1,054 94%
Vaya Health $338 95%
Liberty $342 96%
Humana $345 97%
Aetna $347 - $4,580 97%
Devoted Health $348 98%
Cigna $352 - $4,486 99%
Alliance $1,054 296%
Amerihealth $1,054 296%
Apex Health $1,054 296%
Cardinal $1,054 296%
Carolina Complete Health $1,054 296%
Healthy Blue $1,054 296%
Partners $1,054 296%
Sandhills $1,054 296%
Trillium $1,054 296%
Molina $1,213 - $1,496 340%
Queens University $2,597 729%
Ambetter / Centene $2,748 - $3,197 771%
Oscar $3,069 - $3,447 861%
Employers Health Network $3,131 - $3,499 878%
Quicktrip $3,777 1060%
Multiplan $4,250 - $4,486 1192%
Choicecare $4,486 1259%
Healthgram $4,486 1259%
Medcost $4,486 1259%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC 28472
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals