CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,999
Cash Discount Price: $3,478
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc is $3,999. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,478. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 11.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4800 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,478

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,999

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: $3,478 (976%)

Insurance Median: $3,999 (1122%)

Cash: $3,478 (976% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,999 (1122% 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 1122% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1022%). 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	$1,925 - $3,807	540%
Carolina Complete Health [1317]	$2,025	568%
Wellcare [1320]	$2,035	571%
Amerihealth McAid Adv [1316]	$2,046	574%
Liberty Advantage [1313]	$2,285	641%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,341 - $3,645	657%
Humana	$2,360	662%
Aetna	$2,413 - $4,862	677%
Longevity Health [1411]	$2,826	793%
Nc Dept of Public Safety [1095]	$3,912	1098%
Medcost [1067]	$3,999 - $4,186	1122%
Cigna	$5,278 - $5,900	1481%
Multiplan [1031]	$5,900	1655%

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 $3,478.
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 The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc 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.