CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: UPMC Jameson

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $456
Cash Discount Price: $2,584
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at UPMC Jameson is $456. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,584. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1211 Wilmington Avenue, New Castle, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,584

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$456

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: $2,584 (725%)

Insurance Median: $456 (128%)

Cash: $2,584 (725% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $456 (128% 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare	$309 - $1,614	87%
Aetna	$330 - $383	93%
Humana	$340 - $3,446	95%
Upmc Health Plan	$355 - $3,812	100%
Amerihealth Caritas	$368 - $441	103%
Cigna	$368 - $1,122	103%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$368 - $2,154	103%
Pa Health & Wellness	$368 - $578	103%
Occunet	$426	120%
Geisinger	$471	132%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,224	343%
Upmc Work Partners	$2,417	678%
Multiplan	$3,230 - $3,446	906%
National Provider Network	$3,790	1063%

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 $2,584.
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 UPMC Jameson 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.