CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $5,590
Cash Discount Price: $350
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.68x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is $5,590. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $350. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 15.68x the Medicare baseline. Located in 444 North Main Street, Akron, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$350

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,590

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: $350 (98%)

Insurance Median: $5,590 (1568%)

Cash: $350 (98% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,590 (1568% 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 1568% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1468%). 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
Med Mutual Medflex	$320	90%
Bc Mcr Adv	$331	93%
Summacare Mcr Adv	$331	93%
UnitedHealthcare	$331 - $18,320	93%
Med Mutual Aca	$364	102%
Med Mutual Ppo/Pos/Hmo - All Other Plans	$400	112%
The Health Plan - All Plans	$661	185%
Aultcare - All Plans	$700	196%
Health Oh Network - All Plans	$5,224	1466%
Ohio Health Choice - All Plans	$5,224	1466%
Med Mutual Nas	$5,433	1524%
Multiplan - All Plans	$5,747	1612%
Healthsmart - All Plans	$7,401	2076%
Bc Pathway	$10,885	3054%
Cigna	$14,647	4109%
Bc Ohi/Ohii	$14,946	4193%
Summacare Comm - All Other Plans	$16,108	4519%
Bc Blue Access	$16,607	4659%
Bc Preferred	$16,607	4659%
Bc Trad - All Other Plans	$16,607	4659%
Aetna	$20,640	5791%

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 $350.
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 Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 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.