CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: CHI Mercy Health

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,713
Cash Discount Price: $2,684
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at CHI Mercy Health is $3,713. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,684. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 10.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 570 Chautauqua Blvd, Valley City, ND.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,684

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,713

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: $2,684 (753%)

Insurance Median: $3,713 (1042%)

Cash: $2,684 (753% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,713 (1042% 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 1042% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 942%). 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	$1,597 - $1,923	448%
Medica	$1,610 - $4,294	452%
United	$3,265 - $3,713	916%
Sanford Health Plan	$3,668	1029%
Health Partners	$4,294	1205%
Multiplan	$4,339	1217%

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 $2,684.
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 CHI Mercy Health 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.