CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Carlsbad Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70553
  • Insurance Median: $2,691
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,676
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.55x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Carlsbad Medical Center is $2,691. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,676. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 7.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2430 West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, NM.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,676

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,691

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: $1,676 (470%)
Insurance Median: $2,691 (755%)
Cash: $1,676 (470% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,691 (755% 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 755% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 655%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Medicaid / KanCare $269 - $682 75%
Veterans Eval Services $325 91%
Department Of Veterans Affairs $345 97%
Tricare $345 97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $364 - $10,086 102%
Medicare (plans) $364 102%
Node Molina Mcr Adv $364 102%
Presbyterian $364 - $8,074 102%
Node Va $370 104%
Triwest $370 104%
UnitedHealthcare $379 - $5,754 106%
Node Choice Care Mcr Adv $382 107%
Node Devoted Health Mcr Adv $382 107%
Us Department Of Labor $462 130%
Wexford Health $462 130%
Work Comp Nm $681 - $4,022 191%
Node Molina Health Exchange $1,010 283%
Self Pay $1,117 - $2,234 313%
Capstar $1,384 388%
Nm Health Connection $1,480 415%
Cigna $2,684 - $9,362 753%
Eddy County Detention $5,586 1567%
Zelis $7,038 - $9,384 1975%
Omni Network $7,262 2037%
Choice Care $7,820 2194%
Ccn First Health $8,938 2508%
Healthsmart $9,049 - $9,608 2539%
Aetna $9,384 2633%
Multiplan $9,384 2633%
Medical Control Inc $10,390 2915%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 2430 West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals