CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Catawba Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $520
Cash Discount Price: $3,098
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.46x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is $520. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,098. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.46x the Medicare baseline. Located in 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,098

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$520

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: $3,098 (869%)

Insurance Median: $520 (146%)

Cash: $3,098 (869% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $520 (146% 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
Cigna	$356 - $2,840	100%
Humana	$364 - $4,130	102%
Wellcare	$367	103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$374 - $2,551	105%
Devoted Health	$374	105%
Gateway	$374	105%
Longevity Healthcare	$374	105%
Liberty Advantage	$378	106%
Troy	$378	106%
Mdsave	$382	107%
Directnet	$500	140%
UnitedHealthcare	$520 - $3,497	146%
Caresource North Carolina	$802	225%
Medcost	$2,432 - $2,582	682%
Aetna	$3,144	882%
Prime Health Service	$3,872	1086%
Multiplan	$4,389	1231%

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 $3,098.
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 Catawba Valley 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.