CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Frye Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $800
Cash Discount Price: $3,940
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Frye Regional Medical Center is $800. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,940. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 2.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,940

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$800

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: $3,940 (1105%)

Insurance Median: $800 (224%)

Cash: $3,940 (1105% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $800 (224% 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 224% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 124%). 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
Humana	$335 - $803	94%
UnitedHealthcare	$339 - $994	95%
Aetna	$342 - $819	96%
Veteran Family Member Program	$348	98%
Hancock &Amp; Moore	$599	168%
Rhf Investments	$599	168%
Craftmaster Furniture	$617	173%
Sherrill Furniture	$617	173%
Ambetter / Centene	$750	210%
Amerihealth Caritas Next	$750	210%
Healthyblue Nc	$789	221%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$858 - $1,715	241%
Cigna	$885 - $2,023	248%
Vaya Health	$974	273%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina	$994	279%
Carolina Complete Health Inc.	$994	279%
Partners Health Management	$994	279%
Wellcare Of North Carolina, Inc	$1,003	281%
State Health Plan	$1,682	472%

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 $3,940.
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 Frye Regional Medical Center 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.