CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Artesia General Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $2,400
Cash Discount Price: $3,600
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.73x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Artesia General Hospital is $2,400. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,600. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 6.73x the Medicare baseline. Located in 702 N 13Th Street, Artesia, NM.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,600

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,400

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: $3,600 (1010%)

Insurance Median: $2,400 (673%)

Cash: $3,600 (1010% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,400 (673% 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 673% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 573%). 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
Zelis	$294 - $2,400	82%
Triwest	$339	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$346 - $3,600	97%
Geha	$346 - $4,800	97%
Humana	$346 - $381	97%
Molina Healthcare Of New Mexico	$346 - $649	97%
Presbyterian Health Plan	$346 - $750	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$346 - $5,100	97%
Vistacare Hospice	$346	97%
New Mexico Health Connections	$588	165%
Providence Risk & Insurance Services	$692 - $5,700	194%
First Health	$824 - $5,400	231%
Omni Networks	$4,200	1178%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$4,500	1263%
Cigna	$5,100 - $5,400	1431%
Galaxy Health	$5,400	1515%
One Health Plan	$5,400	1515%
Multiplan	$5,460	1532%
United Payors & United Providers	$5,580	1566%

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 $3,600.
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 Artesia General 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.