CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Wakemed, Cary Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,705
Cash Discount Price: $1,833
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.78x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Wakemed, Cary Hospital is $1,705. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,833. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.78x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1900 Kildare Farm Road, Cary, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,833

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,705

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: $1,833 (514%)

Insurance Median: $1,705 (478%)

Cash: $1,833 (514% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,705 (478% 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 478% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 378%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$329 - $2,402	92%
Aetna	$345 - $3,280	97%
Cary - Alignment	$362	102%
Cary - Liberty	$414	116%
Cary - Pruitt	$414	116%
Cary - Wellcare	$414	116%
Ambetter / Centene	$465 - $1,829	130%
Amerihealth	$716	201%
Carolina Complete	$716	201%
Healthy Blue	$716	201%
Wellcare	$716	201%
Cigna	$1,418 - $2,460	398%
First Health	$2,219 - $4,244	623%
Medcost	$3,473 - $3,617	974%
Phcs	$3,858	1082%
Multiplan	$4,341	1218%

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 $1,833.
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 Wakemed, Cary 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.