CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: NYU Langone Hospitals

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,225
Cash Discount Price: $2,075
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at NYU Langone Hospitals is $1,225. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,075. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 3.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 550 First Avenue, New York, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,075

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,225

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: $2,075 (582%)

Insurance Median: $1,225 (344%)

Cash: $2,075 (582% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,225 (344% 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 344% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 244%). 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
Healthfirst	$226 - $1,451	63%
Fidelis	$227 - $1,451	64%
Healthplus	$227 - $1,451	64%
Ghi	$423 - $1,565	119%
Hip	$423 - $7,901	119%
Medicare (plans)	$423	119%
Wellcare	$423	119%
Centerlight	$431	121%
Medicaid / KanCare	$601 - $645	169%
Metroplus	$601 - $1,451	169%
UnitedHealthcare	$601 - $2,511	169%
Somos	$631 - $871	177%
Hamaspik	$634	178%
Amida	$707 - $710	198%
Cigna	$793	222%
Aetna	$1,225 - $12,541	344%
1199	$1,268	356%
Oxford	$1,536 - $2,426	431%
Magnacare	$2,577 - $6,270	723%
Oscar	$2,904	815%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3,228 - $4,034	906%
Multiplan	$7,255 - $9,782	2035%

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 $2,075.
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 NYU Langone Hospitals 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.