CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70553
  • Insurance Median: $3,192
  • Cash Discount Price: $5,587
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.96x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Reading Hospital is $3,192. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,587. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 8.96x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$5,587

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$3,192

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: $5,587 (1567%)
Insurance Median: $3,192 (896%)
Cash: $5,587 (1567% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $3,192 (896% 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 896% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 796%). 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
Upmc $296 - $4,311 83%
Geisinger $323 - $5,053 91%
Keystone First $323 91%
Pa Health & Wellness $336 94%
UnitedHealthcare $336 - $3,481 94%
Amerihealth Caritas $343 96%
Health Partners $343 96%
Gateway $344 97%
Wernersville State Hospital $350 98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $352 - $4,784 99%
Aetna $672 - $5,507 189%
Pma $3,192 896%
Lehigh Valley Health Network $3,591 1007%
Cigna $4,565 1281%
Berkshire $5,986 1679%
First Health $6,145 1724%
Blue Ridge $7,582 2127%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals