CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Geisinger-Community Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,880
Cash Discount Price: $5,375
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Geisinger-Community Medical Center is $1,880. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,375. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 5.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1822 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,375

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,880

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: $5,375 (1508%)

Insurance Median: $1,880 (527%)

Cash: $5,375 (1508% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,880 (527% 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 527% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 427%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$339	95%
Geisinger Family Plan	$349	98%
Geisinger Health Plan	$353 - $1,014	99%
Medicare (plans)	$353	99%
Prison Health Services	$353	99%
Humana	$360	101%
Aetna	$370 - $5,115	104%
Amerihealth	$390	109%
Upmc For You	$398	112%
Health Partners	$407	114%
Upmc Chip	$424	119%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$675 - $1,880	189%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,164	327%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,339	656%
Cigna	$3,823	1073%
Christian Healthcare Ministries	$4,334	1216%
Healthnet	$5,080	1425%
Universal Managed Care	$5,375 - $5,635	1508%
Intergroup Services	$6,935 - $7,802	1946%
Multiplan	$7,369	2067%

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 $5,375.
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 Geisinger-Community Medical 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.